As of January 2, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is accepting applications for the newly created design patent practitioner bar. Individuals interested in representing clients in preparing, filing, and prosecuting design patent applications can now apply to practice before the USPTO in design patent matters.  

“The creation of a design patent bar is one of our many initiatives to open the USPTO’s doors more broadly and bring more people into the innovation ecosystem,” said Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. “By creating a separate design patent practitioner bar that aligns with the backgrounds of those in the design space, we are broadening participation before the USPTO while further securing the robustness and reliability of the intellectual property rights we grant.” 

Applicants must have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate of philosophy degree in any of the following areas (or its equivalent) from an accredited college or university: 

• Industrial design  
• Product design 
• Architecture 
• Applied arts 
• Graphic design 
• Fine/studio arts 
• Art teacher education 

After submitting a complete application, applicants must pass a registration examination on patent legal process and procedure, as well as undergo a moral character evaluation. 

Once an applicant satisfies the requirements, they will receive a registration number and can begin practicing in design patent matters before the USPTO.  

Applicants can apply through the Applicant Portal (please note that a USPTO.gov account is required). You can find application instructions in the General Requirements Bulletin. 

For more information or questions regarding bar requirements or the application process, visit the USPTO website or contact the USPTO’s Office of Enrollment and Discipline at OED@uspto.gov or 571-272-4097.