Patent Office Renews Law School Clinic Paperwork
Published Date: 4/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The USPTO is asking for public feedback on renewing its Law School Clinic Certification Program form, which helps law schools work with the patent office. This update won’t cost anyone extra but aims to keep paperwork easy and clear. If you’re involved with law schools or patents, you’ve got until May 7, 2026, to share your thoughts!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Law Students Can Practice & Provide Pro Bono
The USPTO is renewing the Law School Clinic Certification Program that lets law students at participating schools (74 schools currently) practice patent and trademark law under the direct supervision of an approved faculty clinic supervisor. The program also helps deliver pro bono patent and trademark services to applicants who lack the financial resources for traditional legal representation.
Paperwork Time Burden and Small Postage Cost
Participating law schools, faculty, and students must complete the USPTO forms (PTO-158LS through PTO-162LS) with required semiannual reports and biennial renewals. The USPTO estimates 951 annual respondents, 1,025 annual responses, each response taking about 0.5 to 30 hours, totaling 1,330 burden hours annually, and an estimated $61 in annual postage costs.
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