Patent Prosecution

Curious if anyone here works in DC? I'm in NYC but thinking of making a move. I wondered what the field was like in DC comparatively, and what your lifestyle looks like out there? WLB any differen… more

I’m thinking of making the switch to patent lit. I’ve heard it’s more profitable with more stability regardless of how the economy is doing. I also think it seems more interesting and varied. Anyone h… more

Does anyone have a suggestion for a foreign associate in Egypt? I am not happy with our current one.

Not exactly a prosecution question, but can agents argue in front of the PTAB? I would assume they can for Appeals but it’s less clear to me if they can for IPRs or if they need an attorney present. O… more

Do you feel hard to hit hours if you are doing prosecution work only?

Patent attorney who has worked inhouse thus far (c/o 2017). Had a law school summer job in patent pros. Done a wide range of IP work (but not tons of patent pros) & other transactional work. I wan… more

Could anyone share the bonus amount they get as a patent agent?
For reference, I work in big law and got 15% salary. I have no idea how much other agents are getting at my firm or other firms.

Filling out a conflicts form and at my current firm, where I've been working for barely more than a year, I have billed to 475 matters/apps spread out over 20 clients. 🫠 yet I still feel like I… more

For those who have done both litigation and prosecution, how would 1850 pros hours compare to 2000 lit hours? Are these comparableish?

Does anyone actually like the USPTO's Patent Public Search online? I have attended the online training webinars and still cannot find what I am searching for. The old system was fine and it worked… more

Hi all, I’m a 5th year associate practicing commercial litigation. In October of 2022, I passed the USPTO Registration Exam and received my Registration No. in December. I only have a bachelors degr… more

I'm in a market area at a boutique that competes (but still charges significant less than) big law. I was on track with my hours but recently got a wave of...serious burnout i guess with all of t… more

How many clients do you all work with? I'm a junior on 15 clients/teams - for almost all but 1 or 2 of these I split the docket with other teammates. A partner told me that was too many and want… more

What’s a picture claim in the context of life sciences?

Best DC area firms/practice groups with mechanical or software emphasis and for wlb/keeping prosecution sane? Interested in boutiques and midlaw, in addition to bigger/market paying. I'm particul… more

Student associates: if your firm paid for law school, how long do you have to work there for? How much do you pay back if you leave beforehand? Are you burning bridges if you leave soon after gradua… more

Here’s a patent bar style question for anyone who wants to test their mettle lol. Just got an issue notification for a CON app. A terminal disclaimer was filed as to the patent app, which is still pe… more

I am working on a NFOA for a design case. The Examiner identified a primary references and four secondary references. The Examiner also pointed out five differences between the primary reference and t… more

Can anyone give me a how to for making a Request for Rectification under PCT rule 91.1? ISA is the US, filed with the USRO.

Raise your hand if you received the “paul budnek” email today

Can someone give me an example of how they typically cite and/or incorporate by reference, a specific article in a scientific journal?

Taking the patent bar in a week and it’s been so tough studying while working. I’m so behind in my hours this month, and my firm (midlaw, IP only) was pretty clear that they expect my hours to stay on… more

Prosecution associates - what are your hours looking like this year?

Just curious: how much time would you bill for on prepping instructions to a FA for a response? Feel free to break down by how long you’ve been practicing, complexity, or any other factor you think i… more

Patent prosecution or trademark prosecution? I have interest in both places but would love to hear the thoughts/experience of others.

Anybody know anything about Lerner David for patent pros? Culture, pay, hours etc? Mid level looking to lateral

Anybody know anything about Nicholson de vos Webster Elliott for patent pros? Culture, pay, hours etc? Mid level looking to lateral

Any insight into life as a patent agent with stern Kessler? Are there directors to avoid in the chemistry area?

If you work 1900 hours on a pure prosecution docket (apps/diligence whatnot included) what do you think that equates to on a pure litigation docket? I keep hearing people say it’s easier to work mor… more

Is it reasonably possible to jump from patent prosecution to trademark prosecution?

How many support staff/paralegals to associates are at your firm, and what is your firm size/business model? I'm in midlaw where each paralegal supports around 4 people (2-3 working associates an… more

Does anyone find an attack on the Examiner’s prima facia showing of obviousness a lot more effective than distinguishing each and every prior art reference.

I recently underwrote a reply to final. Didn’t even both… more

A frustrated colleague asked for help with a difficult prosecution. I agreed to help. I just reviewed up the case and the examiner is combining NINE references. I think that’s a record for me. What’s… more

Which IP firm has best in-house exit options?

Where the best way to process POA for a large number of patent applications?

Is it to get a form 82 signed and attach it to different transmittals for each application and file separately in each case?… more

Does anyone have any experience with Sterne Kessler? Thinking of hopping over, and am wondering if it’s a good fit for me.

What would you say the going rates are for (i) non provisional application drafting and (ii) office action responses?

How many billable hours do people in prosecution tend to average each month? I’ve gone through waves of feeling like my billable hours requirement is reasonable to feeling like I’m drowning and can… more