Professional Standards for the Patent Industry

The National Council on Patent Practicum, Inc. (NCPP), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, oversees the development and operation of the Certified Patent Practitioner (CPP) program.

The CPP credential is a professional designation that distinguishes those who have demonstrated experience, proficiency, knowledge, and understanding of patent drafting and prosecution through involvement in the patent preparation and prosecution processes.

All patent lawyers, patent agents, technical specialists, patent engineers, and other patent industry professionals are welcome to apply.

Mission

Our mission is to assist and serve the public by establishing certification standards for patent professionals.

Purpose

The CPP credential distinguishes those who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency of patent claims drafting and prosecution, protecting the intellectual property of patent stakeholders according to the guidelines of the USPTO.

Exam & Eligibility

The 8-hour CPP examination is designed to measure skill and knowledge for an individual who has less than 5 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience and is currently employed or seeking employment in the preparation and prosecution fields.

CLE Credits: NCPP's Upcoming Patent-Specific CLE Courses

cpp cle courses NCPP hosts several CLE courses per year to assist members in maintaining their CPP credential. Be sure to join our applicant list to receive advance notification of CLE course dates.

Patent Quality – What does it mean to different entities? (Corporations, USPTO, Private Practice)
Leveraging Big Data to Mitigate Alice Rejections
Developing a Patent Portfolio Consistent with Your Corporate Strategy
Recruiting & Hiring Knowledgeable Patent Practitioners

NCPP Events

NCPP CLE Credit: Addressing Diversity Concerns within the Patent Profession

LEARN MORE ABOUT NCPP SCHOLARSHIPS

CPP LAW FIRMS

Our Certified Patent Practitioner law firms have ascribed to a higher level of professionalism by taking an oath to facilitate the development and training of novice patent practitioners, increase the diversity of the profession, maintain patent-specific CLEs, and intimately align themselves with USPTO and corporate-based patent quality initiatives.

CORPORATE & LAW SPONSORS

Our corporate and law firm sponsors recognize the value in certification, continuous patent education for practitioners at all levels, and the need to properly train novice practitioners on the intricacies of the profession.

CERTIFIED PATENT PRACTITIONER (CPP) QUALIFICATIONS

The following minimum qualifications are required for consideration as a Certified Patent Practitioner. Please consult our FAQs for additional information on CPP requirements and membership information.

BECOME A CPP

WORK EXPERIENCE

Practiced continuously for 5 years within the previous 10 year period or as in-house counsel with the primary role of overseeing patent prosecution, development, licensing, sales and/or acquisitions.
Drafted 50+ patent applications.
Drafted 50+ office action responses.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university.
Complete at least 6 patent specific CLEs per year (a minimum of 4 CLEs/year provided by NCPP at no cost).

CODE OF CONDUCT

Member in good standing of the Patent Bar of the United States and have received no disciplinary action.
CPP credential holders agree to adhere to strict ethics and a code of conduct.

NCPP Board Members

The following IP industry experts drive the vision, mission, and oversight of The National Council on Patent Practicum.