STEPP Evaluation Form

STEPP Overall Evaluation & Future Advanced Courses
Welcome

OMB Control No. 0651-0080
Expiration Date: 8/31/2018

Thank you for previously participating in a STEPP 3-day course on examination
practice and procedure. We would like to know if STEPP has impacted how you
practice before the USPTO. We would also like to gauge your interest in future
advanced STEPP courses.
This survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. For general
questions regarding the purpose of the survey, contact Unsu Jung
([email protected]). If you encounter any problems with the survey instrument,
contact Michael Easdale ([email protected]).
Thank you in advance for your participation in this important survey.
Please click the Next button to begin.

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, persons are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid
OMB Control Number. The valid OMB control number of this information collection is 0651-0080. This survey will gather feedback from
applicants who have participated in the STEPP program. Their responses will be gathered and aggregated to determine how best to
improve current STEPP Program courses and structure future advanced courses. The USPTO estimates that it will take respondents
approximately 10 minutes to complete the survey. This collection of information is voluntary in accordance with E.O. 12862, “Setting
Customer Service Standards.” All responses will remain confidential and are protected under the “Confidential Information Protection
and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002.”

1

STEPP Overall Evaluation & Future Advanced Courses
Course Impact & Future Courses

1. What impact, if any, has STEPP had on how you prosecute an application before the USPTO?:

No Impact

Slight Impact

Moderate Impact

Strong Impact

N/A I have not
submitted an
application since
taking STEPP
courses

I view interactions with examiners as
a more collaborative effort.
I interview more frequently.
I more often utilize USPTO interview
rooms or WebEx to conduct
interviews.
I more frequently conduct a prior art
search prior to filing an application.
I more often utilize USPTO public
search resources such as PTRC
libraries and USPTO regional offices.
I more frequently review an
application prior to filing to make sure
it is in its best form.
I more often review the references
cited by the examiner but not utilized
in the rejection.
I more frequently contact the SPE or
TC Ombudsman when an Examiner
is non-responsive.
I have a better understanding of how
and when to utilize processes run
through the CRU and PTAB.

2

2. Please rate your level of agreement with the following statements:

Strongly
Disagree

Somewhat
Disagree

Neither
Disagree or
Agree

Somewhat
Agree

Strongly
Agree

N/A I have not
submitted an
application
since taking
STEPP
courses

With my increased understanding of
Examiners' points of view,
conversations with Examiners are more
constructive.
With my increased understanding of
Examiners' points of view, interactions
with examiners lead to the identification
of allowable subject matter earlier in
prosecution.
With my increased understanding of
Examiners' points of view, I more
effectively and effectively respond to
issues identified in an office action.

3. Having taken a previous STEPP 3-day course, would you be interested in taking an advanced course
designed for experienced agents/attorneys? If yes, which topics, related to examination practice and
procedure, would you like to see made available?
Not Interested

Somewhat Interested Moderately Interested

Very Interested

35 USC 101 - Subject Matter Eligibility
Double Patenting and Restriction
35 USC 102 - Anticipation
35 USC 103 - Obviousness
Claim Interpretation
35 USC 112(a)
35 USC 112(b)
35 USC 112(f)

3

STEPP Overall Evaluation & Future Advanced Courses
Conclusion

4. Do you have any additional comments regarding the STEPP Program?

Thank you for completing our survey! Clicking the "Done" button below will submit your
responses, close the survey window, and redirect you to the public USPTO website.

4