Administrative Patent Judge – Internal to Agency

To be eligible for the APJ position, you must demonstrate that you meet the qualifications for this position by submitting a resume, narrative responses to the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs), proof of educational requirements, and a writing sample. Applicants are required to input narrative responses to PTQs and writing sample in the textboxes as prompted by USAJobs. Uploading documents addressing the PTQs and writing sample will not be accepted. Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs): You are required to submit a narrative response(10,000 character limit (to include spaces)) that demonstrate extensive and comprehensive experience with the following: a) Conducting and/or managing patent prosecution, examination, and/or litigation(including experience with IPRs/PGRs), that demonstrates a thorough understanding and knowledge of the statutes, regulations, case law, rules of practice, guidance, and agency policy related to the practice of patent law, including: analyzing legal issues, factual issues, and associated evidence, of patentability; and drafting clear, logically-developed arguments and/or decisions based on the law, facts, and evidence. b) Effectively communicating and working with colleagues to develop a strategy and collaboratively draft documents. c) Analyzing technical issues related to electrical and/or computer technology (can be demonstrated through experience, work or otherwise, and/or education). The Writing Sample: Please respond to the following 3 questions using your own words, unedited by others. Each response should be up to 7000 characters (to include spaces). 1. What do you think should be a top priority at the PTAB and how would you address it? 2. What change in patent law in the last 10 years has had a significant impact, and why? 3. Describe an experience when you had to collaborate with and persuade a group of peers to approach a case in the manner you thought was best. Who was involved, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome? Experience: The APJ position typically requires approximately 10-15 years or more of patent experience. Patent Experience includes, but is not limited to: (1) prosecuting patent cases and/or litigating patent cases such as in the private sector, at the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the United States International Trade Commission, or the United States Department of Justice; and/or (2) experience at the USPTO Office of the Solicitor or Office of Patent Legal Administration, or experience as a PTAB Patent Attorney, PTAB law clerk, and/or Patent Examiner. You will receive credit for all qualifying patent experience, including volunteer patent experience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Elevate your career at an agency that celebrates, supports, and thrives on building the bridge that ensures intellectual property (IP) rights are accessible to everyone. The USPTO is a diverse and inclusive organization that is seeking a talented professional to serve as an Administrative Patent Judge. The USPTO has been serving the economic interests of America for more than 200 years. We are responsible for granting US intellectual property rights for patents and trademarks.