[co-author: Amanda Leckman, Legal Intern]

Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) hearings are typically open to the public, and a schedule of upcoming hearings is posted on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) website.  But hearings are only typically held at the USPTO Headquarters in Alexandria or one of the Regional Offices in Dallas, Denver, San Jose or Detroit.  The USPTO has been making such hearings even more accessible to the public and providing valuable CLE experience for practitioners and law students.  To this end, the PTAB has recently begun partnering with law schools to provide live PTAB and TTAB hearings at select law schools as part of its 2018 Live Hearing Stadium Tour.

In addition to conducting live PTAB hearings, the USPTO has created a Program Agenda that includes an overview of the USPTO, PTAB and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and an introduction to PTAB and TTAB proceedings.  The Board judges will also share tips for successful advocacy in front of the PTAB and TTAB.  Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits will be offered.  Practitioners, law school students, and anyone who wants to learn about practice before these administrative tribunals are encouraged to attend.

The next “PTAB/TTAB Live Hearing Stadium Tour” will be held on Thursday, September 20, at the University of San Diego School of Law.  Jones Day attorneys Geoffrey Gavin and Josh Nightingale will be representing the Patent Owner in an argument during the PTAB Trial Proceeding portion of the day.  More information about the “Stadium Tours” can be found on the USPTO’s PTAB Stadium Tour web-page.  Attendees must register in advance.  Events tend to sell out, so early registration is advised.