Best Mode
Question BM1: What is the effective date for the Best Mode provision in the AIA?
The effective date for the Best Mode provision in the AIA is September 16, 2011.
Question BM2: Does AIA’s amendment to 35 U.S.C. 282(a)(3) impact current patent examination practice regarding evaluation of an application for compliance with the best mode requirement of 35 U.S.C. 112?
No. As this change is applicable only in patent validity or infringement proceedings, it does not change current patent examination practices set forth in MPEP § 2165.
Question BM3: …

The source materials for the questions and answers on the current registration examination are:
1. Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP), Edition 8, Revision 8 (available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/mpep.htm);
2. Examination Guidelines Update: Developments in the Obviousness Inquiry After KSR v. Teleflex (available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-21646.pdf);
3. New Interim Patent Subject Matter Eligibility Examination Instructions, August 2009 (available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/2009-08-25_interim_101_instructions.pdf);
4. Interim Guidance for Determining Subject Matter Eligibility for Process Claims in View of Bilski v. Kappos, July 2010 (available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-18424.pdf);
5. Interim Guidance for Determining Subject Matter Eligibility for Process …

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) registration examination, more commonly referred to as the “patent bar,” is the test that one must pass to be eligible to practice before the USPTO. Individuals that pass the examination are referred to as either a “patent attorney” or a “patent agent.” A patent attorney successfully passes the patent bar and is a member of the bar of at least one state. A patent agent is not a member of a state bar but has passed the patent bar. It is unnecessary …

Below is a list of important URLs for individuals registered to sit for the patent bar examination:

The General Requirements Bulletin for Admission to the Examination for Registration – (http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/olia/oed/grb.pdf)
Prometric’s Computer-Delivered Examination Tutorial – (http://www.prometric.com/demos/uspto/starthere.htm)
Prometric’s Informational Page for the Examination – (http://www.prometric.com/USPTO/default.htm)
The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure, Eighth Edition, Revision 7 –
(http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/index.htm)

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) registration examination, more commonly referred to as the “patent bar,” is the test that one must pass to be eligible to practice before the USPTO. Individuals that pass the examination are referred to as either a “patent attorney” or a “patent agent.” A patent attorney successfully passes the patent bar exam and is a member of the bar of at least one state. A patent agent is not a member of a state bar but has passed the patent bar exam. It …