USPTO Indefinitely Delays Implementation of the Voluntary Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Certification
On December 16, 2021, The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) indefinitely delayed implementation of the voluntary continuing legal education (CLE) certification for registered patent practitioners and individuals granted limited recognition to practice before the USPTO in patent matters.
The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) assembled a joint committee task force comprised of the Patent Agents Committee, Patent Law Committee, Patent Relations with the USPTO Committee, and the Corporate Committee, to ensure that the proposed rules did not disproportionately impact patent agents and other practitioners for whom CLE self-certification would be a significant burden and/or legal risk, and to ensure that practitioners were made aware of requirements for the registration statement and the CLE self-certification. To read the full letter that was submitted in January 2021, please click here.
The USPTO plans to provide at least 120 days’ notice of any future implementation date for the voluntary CLE certification and at that time, will issue final CLE guidelines clarifying the types of courses and activities that qualify for CLE credit.
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2026 IP Transactions Bootcamp
February 12, 2026
This in-person bootcamp is designed to provide practical insights and strategies for professionals working in intellectual property transactions. The day features a comprehensive agenda including: Panels and CLE Sessions: Learn about Working with Tech Transfer Offices, Strategies for successful collaborations between nonprofits and industry, and Protecting and monetizing an AI asset. Drafting and Negotiating Tips: Get practical advice on drafting and negotiating strategic collaboration and license agreements. Hands-on Workshop: Participate in a Mock licensing negotiation to put your skills to the test. Networking: Conclude the day with a dedicated Networking reception. -
2026 Patent Prosecution Bootcamp - Arlington, VA
March 4 to 6, 2026 | Up to 1235 minutes, including 60 Ethics minutes
The 2026 Patent Prosecution Bootcamp is a comprehensive, CLE-accredited seminar that includes instructional lecture-style sessions with practical tips on U.S. and international patent preparation and prosecution, as well as hands-on interactive workshops that will walk you through drafting claims and responding to office actions. -
2026 Advanced Chemical Patent Practice Institute
May 11 to 12, 2026 | CLE calculations pending
The Advanced Chemical & Biotech Patent Institute is an in-depth continuing legal education program tailored specifically for experienced patent practitioners in the chemical and biotech fields. This advanced course offers a comprehensive view from both prosecution and litigation perspectives, covering crucial topics relevant to practice in the U.S. and internationally. -
2026 Spring Meeting - San Francisco, CA
May 13 to 15, 2026
We’re excited to welcome you to the 2026 AIPLA Spring Meeting, where innovation, technology, and intellectual property come together to shape the future. San Francisco is ready for your ideas, energy, and passion for IP! -
2026 Trade Secret Summit
June 1, 2026
The AIPLA Trade Secret Summit is the leading trade secret conference in the nation, with speakers from across the spectrum of private practitioners, in-house counsel, government, and academia, as well as fantastic networking opportunities. CLE credits will be available.