The criteria on the Statement of Compliance form are related to best practices for reducing liability risk in your patent practice. By submitting a Statement of Compliance (and having it accepted), Links to the Initial Application and Renewal forms can be found below. NAPP's Best Practices for Risk Reduction (and its Statement of Compliance) is a voluntary program for NAPP members who have a desire to subscribe to a set of standards above the minimum standards set by the USPTO in 37 CFR 10. NAPP does not explicitly nor does it implicitly warrant the services of the participants in this program. Submit your Best Practice Compliance Application
The program:
This program has not been approved by any state bar or by the US Patent and Trademark Office.
General Aspects of the Program In general, the NAPP Best Practices for Risk Reduction Program requires each participant to subscribe to a set of standards set forth in the NAPP Best Practices document. In addition, each participant is required to complete at least 8 credit hours of continuing education relating to patent practice in each calendar year. This requirement helps to ensure that each participant is current with respect to various changes in the patent laws and rules of practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office. Criteria: Any NAPP member meeting all of the criteria below is qualified to submit a Statement of Compliance. Discounted rates remain in effect as long as the member continues to satisfy the criteria below or satisfies any Board of Directors' updated form of the criteria.
Withholding of Approval Applications for the Best Practices for Risk Reduction Program must be submitted online to the Executive Director of the NAPP. The decision by the Executive Director on the application will be provided with a confirmation email. Approval will only be withheld when a member fails to meet the criteria set forth above. Due Process In the event a member is denied approval, the member will be notified of the reason(s) for denial. The member will be given 30 days to respond to the notice, explaining any perceived errors in the Executive Director's decision or providing additional reasons for certification. The member's response will be forwarded to the NAPP Board of Director's for reconsideration. Costs A one-time, nonrefundable, application fee of $100 per member participant is required to initiate the approval application process. After an applicant has been approved, there is a $50 annual renewal fee, due in January of each calendar year, in order to keep the Best Practices approval active. (An invoice will be sent at the end of each calendar year.) These fees cover the processing, review, and administrative costs of the program. All fees are nonrefundable. Failure to pay the annual renewal fee by January 31 will result in loss of Best Practices status. Earning Best Practices Credit Best Practices Credits may be earned by attending NAPP sponsored events or any patent related, State approved CLE program.
|