Stakeholder Training on Examination Practice and Procedure (STEPP) is training designed to provide external stakeholders with a better understanding of how and why an examiner makes decisions while examining a patent application. In person courses are led by USPTO trainers and based on material developed for training employees of the USPTO.
Upcoming training:
Agent/Attorney 3-Day Course, May 22-24, 2018 location: Alexandria, VA – USPTO Headquarters
Inventor 3-Day Course August 14-16, 2018, location: Alexandria, VA – USPTO Headquarters
Program Description
The STEPP program provides unique, day-in-the-life, experiences to those attending training. Material used within the program is derived from training delivered to patent examiners and other USPTO employees.
What does STEPP Cover?
The same examination practice and procedure training provided to USPTO staff is now available to external stakeholders. Learn what an examiner must consider in preparing an office action, and what examiners are taught to interpret an applicant’s disclosure.
Why Participate?
STEPP provides perspective by detailing what an examiner considers in preparing an office action. Training focuses on how an examiner is taught to use the MPEP to make patentability determinations and write an office action. Gaining perspective of an examiner’s point of view will increase your situational awareness which can aid in compact prosecution. Payment and Credit STEPP courses are free of charge. The USPTO will apply for CLE accreditation for specific courses within the program. Please contact [email protected] for additional information.
More information can be found here.