Geissler & Associates

The Academy of Intellectual Property Law "U.S. Patent Bar Review" is an intense learning experience consisting of patent law tutorials each morning, followed by careful analysis of actual U.S. Patent Bar test questions each afternoon.

Each morning, Dr. Geissler conducts a Cambridge-style highly interactive tutorial that draws each student into a dialogue about U.S. patent law and practice. These sessions are intended to clarify the intent and true meaning of U.S. patent law (so-called "black letter law"). The tutorials examine public-policy implications and procedural issues of the law only insofar as they relate to actual patent prosecution and patent practice that are likely to be encountered on the U.S. Patent Bar.

Each afternoon, Dr. Geissler, together with the students, analyzes actual test questions that have been encountered on prior U.S. Patent Bar examinations. Our analysis starts with a careful reading of the facts provided, followed by legal issue spotting. Then, we review and apply the rule of law to the particular set of facts, leading to the conclusion.

The Academy of Intellectual Property Law "U.S. Patent Bar Review" is an intense learning experience. Workshops are two weeks in duration.

The daily schedule, Monday through Friday, is as follows.

8:30 - 9:00 Conference room open for morning coffee and tea

9:00 - 12:00 Morning - Dr. Geissler's Cambridge-style interactive tutorial

12:00 - 1:30 Lunch recess, Conference room open for coffee and tea whilst Mr. Seymour is available for consultation and tutorials

1:30 - 4:30 Afternoon - Dr. Geissler's analysis of U.S. Patent Bar questions

4:30 - 5:30 U.S. Patent Bar practice tests

5:30 - 6:30 Mr. Seymour is available for consultation and tutorials

A notebook of test questions is given to each student, organized by topic and section of 35 U.S.C., 37 C.F.R., and Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP). This organization facilitates the student's recognition of fact patterns, the identification of the legal principles involved, and how to analyze each type of question rapidly.

An annotated MPEP (loose-leaf notebook) is given to each student that has important sections highlighted. This is a valuable aid for rapid reference.

Practice tests are provided each day, covering only those portions of 35 U.S.C., 37 C.F.R., and the MPEP that have been thoroughly discussed and learned that day.

Students who have completed the Academy of Intellectual Property Law "U.S. Patent Bar Review" may attend an additional two-week session at no additional charge providing they show proof of having attempted the U.S. Patent Bar.