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:

1. Is not mandatory.

2. Is not a substitute for the disciplinary procedures of the US Patent and Trademark Office.

3. Will not discriminate against those who do not wish to participate.

4. Will not explicitly or implicitly endorse or warrant the services of the participants.

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.

1. Must be a member in good standing of the USPTO Bar. Attorneys must also be a member in good standing of their state bar.

2. Must be a member of the NAPP.

3. Must complete and submit the Best Practices Statement of Compliance along with the application fee.

4. Must certify that the member subscribes to the practices set forth in the NAPP Best Practices document.

5. Must complete at least 8 credit hours per calendar year of continuing education credits relating to patent practice. NAPP will accept all state bar certified patent related CLE credits. All NAPP programs automatically qualify for credit. Please see this link for suggestions for the types of programs accepted for this program.  Those who have completed more than 8 credit hours in a calendar year may carry over the extra credits for one year only.

6. Must pay the annual renewal fee by January 31 of each calendar year. (This fee will be invoiced at the end of each calendar year.)

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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.