Federal Register #PTO-C-2026-0364

USPTO Updates Patent Bar Eligibility to Include Biomedical Science Degree in Category A

This notice from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), under the Department of Commerce, announces an administrative update to patent bar eligibility requirements. - Government Buyer: - United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce - Key Update: - Biomedical Science degree is now classified under Category A for patent bar eligibility - Expands the list of degrees that automatically qualify for the patent bar exam - Purpose and Impact: - Aims to broaden participation in the patent bar by recognizing evolving scientific disciplines - Part of USPTO's triennial review of admission criteria - No procurement activity: - No products, services, OEMs, or vendors are involved - No contract or purchase is being solicited

Description

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announces an update to the admission criteria for the patent bar by moving the Biomedical Science degree from Category B to Category A. This change expands the eligibility for admission to practice in all patent matters before the USPTO. The update is part of the USPTO's periodic review process conducted every three years to keep pace with evolving technology and encourage broader participation of prospective patent practitioners. The updated General Requirements Bulletin will become effective on August 11, 2026.

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