The Intellectual Property Law Program is delighted to be offering an exciting new opportunity for students interested in intellectual property law with the launch of its "Patent Office Litigation Bootcamp" slated for Spring 2025. This innovative course stems from a LEAPS Seed Grant received by Maryland Carey Law’s IP Program in April 2024 and aims to enhance practical learning opportunities in the field of patent law.
Designed as an immersive, hands-on experience, the course provides students a rare chance to participate in simulations of hearings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Through the guidance of experienced patent judges, students will gain valuable skills in advocacy, motion practice, and legal writing.
The Intellectual Property Law Program’s LEAPS Seed Grant allows for the testing, experimenting, or implementation of a teaching innovation that tackles a significant instructional issue and enhances instruction and learning for students in order to boost student achievement. Heather Terech, Managing Director of the Intellectual Property Law Program, proposed a simulation course for USPTO hearings. However, bringing the proposal to life required finding experts to instruct students on the process and procedures of USPTO hearings. Terech targeted experts with experience with the USPTO’s Patent and Trial Appeals Board, and she connected with Vice Chief Administrative Patent Judge Janet Gongola.
As a result, Maryland Carey students will have the unique opportunity to work with Lead Administrative Patent Judge Jeffrey W. Abraham and Judge Gongola in the new simulation course, Patent Office Litigation Bootcamp. The course will cover substantive and procedural aspects of administrative hearings at the PTAB and will include lectures, practical application of procedure mechanics, writing, and moot experience. Using a simulation model, students will be divided into law firms that will be required to litigate a matter as if in front of the PTAB. The student teams will work collaboratively on motion practice and advocacy.
The hands-on experience in applying legal knowledge to real-world scenarios will allow students to develop important practical skills. This course will challenge students to think critically, analyze complex legal issues, and develop creative solutions in a short time frame. The bootcamp will take place over an intensive four-day period from January 6-9, 2025. Given Judge Abraham's decade of experience as a patent judge, along with Judge Gongola's extensive background in patent appeals, students will have direct access to some of the leading experts in the field. For students pursuing a career in patent law, this bootcamp will not only deepen their understanding of USPTO hearings but will also provide a competitive edge in the legal job market by honing practical, trial-ready skills.