As part of its challenging, multi-faceted mission, the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) is responsible for (a) registering attorneys and agents to practice patent law before the USPTO, (b) developing and administering the patent registration exam, (c) investigating allegations of misconduct by practitioners, (d) overseeing USPTO programs, (e) supporting Patents and Trademarks business units regarding anti-fraud initiatives, (f) federal administrative rulemaking, and (g) outreach.
The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per leave year.
This role is the ideal next career step for you if: You look forward to screening registration applications of candidates seeking recognition to practice before the USPTO in patent matters to determine if the candidate possesses the required scientific and technical training qualifications. You are eager to investigate the moral character and reputation of patent bar candidates seeking recognition to practice before the USPTO.
You are excited to prepare a nationwide examination of the candidate's proficiency in patent law and USPTO office regulations, policies, and procedures to be registered as a patent attorney or agent. You are confident investigating, preparing, and presenting evidence of unethical conduct by registered attorneys and agents in the full range of highly technical and highly controversial disciplinary cases involving scientific, engineering, ethical, and legal considerations.
You are committed to being intimately familiar with the specific policies, rules, regulations, and procedures of the USPTO, including all recent developments and initiatives, including those related to the prevention of patent and trademark fraud. You are eager to elicit and evaluate evidence and testimony; and preparing letters, requests for information, formal complaints, and other documentation.
You are confident interviewing complainants, practitioners, and others having knowledge relevant to an investigation or disciplinary proceeding. You are prepared to conduct outreach efforts to educate the public and patent and trademark practitioners on applicable professional standards and best practices You are enthusiastic about developing rules, policies and procedures for the regulation of practitioners who practice law before the USPTO.
Applicants must possess a degree in one of the scientific/engineering disciplines. AND You must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or Master of Laws (L.L.M) degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school AND an active member of the Bar in Good Standing of any State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or any Territorial Court under the U.S. Constitution.
If this position requires proof of higher education, or you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements.
Please refer to General Schedule Qualification Policies for more information. You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities.
Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - US Department of Education.
Another listing of services that can perform this evaluation is available at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
NOTE: Only education and experience acquired before the filing deadline will be considered. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
This position is with Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce.
The posted pay range is $155797 – $197200/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-10-19.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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