Public Law 113â227 (Dec. 16, 2014) requires the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to establish regulations and procedures for application to, and participation in, the USPTO Law School Clinic Certification Program (LSCCP). The LSCCP Program allows students enrolled in a participating law schoolâs clinic to practice patent or trademark law before the USPTO under the direct supervision of a faculty clinic supervisor. Each clinic provides legal services on a pro bono basis for clients who qualify for assistance from the law schoolâs clinic. By drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent and trademark applications, students gain valuable experience that would otherwise be unavailable to them while in law school. The program also facilitates the provision of pro bono services to trademark and patent applicants who lack the financial resources necessary for traditional legal representation. In 2020, there were 60 law schools participating.
This information collection covers the applications from law schools that wish to enter the program, faculty advisors who seek to become a faculty clinic supervisor, and students who seek to participate in this program. The information collection also includes the required biannual reports from participating law school clinics and biennial renewals required by the program as well as the request to make special under the Law School Clinic Certification Program, which allows a limited number of applications per semester to be advanced out of turn (accorded special status) for examination if the applicant makes the appropriate showing, to provide law students with practical experience as they will be more likely to receive substantive examination of applications within the school year that the application is filed.
PL:
Pub.L. 113 - 227 1
Name of Law: USPTO LAW SCHOOL CLINIC CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Estimated Annual Responses and Hourly Burdens due to Adjustment in Agency Estimate
The increase in annual respsonses (+22) and burden hours (+551) is due to the estimated normal fluctuation in the number of responses for the items in this information collection.
Change in Annual (Non-hour) Costs due to Adjustment in Agency Estimate
The USPTO estimates a decrease (-$1,675) for the total annual (non-hour) costs due to the decrease in estimated mailed submissions in this information collection. In the past the number of mailed submissions was significantly higher, but as respondents have grown use to emailing these items the percentage of electronic submissions have increased. The vast majority of items are now submitted without any postage required. As a result, the estimated postage costs for this information collection have been updated and show a reduction of $1,675 since the last renewal in 2020.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form PTO/SB/419 CERTIFICATION AND REQUEST TO MAKE SPECIAL UNDER THE LAW SCHOOL PROGRAM
0651-0081 Supporting Statement 2023 Final.docx
USPTO Information Quality Guidelines.pdf
Biennial Renewal Application by Law School