The first cohort of Maryland Carey Law students completed the inaugural Patent Office Litigation Bootcamp, an intensive four-day program designed to provide practical experience in litigating before the USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Led by Administrative Patent Judges Jeffrey W. Abraham and Janet Gongola, this hands-on course immersed students in the intricate process of administrative patent proceedings.
Adjunct professors Abraham and Gongola brought a wealth of experience to the program, offering students an insider’s perspective on the nuances of PTAB litigation. Their expertise, coupled with the immersive curriculum, provided a great opportunity for students interested in litigating cases in front of the USPTO Patent and Trial Appeals Board. They elevated the course beyond traditional classroom instruction, equipping students with practical knowledge and professional confidence.
The bootcamp, developed as part of Maryland Carey Law’s Intellectual Property Law Program SEED grant project, aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in patent law. Throughout the program, students engage in realistic case work as well as refine their knowledge of evidence, writing, and administrative law. A standout feature of the course was a detailed case study, which offered students the rare opportunity to observe an actual PTAB oral hearing. Students then deliberated as a mock panel of judges, engaging in legal analysis and collaborative decision-making to determine the outcome of the case. This experiential learning component allowed students to step into the role of adjudicators, deepening their appreciation of the judicial reasoning process.
The course covered both the legal principles and administrative procedures relevant to AIA trial proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) at the USPTO. Students engaged in lectures exploring the AIA trial process, statutory guidelines, pleadings, discovery, evidence presentation, oral arguments, and decision-making.
Lance Brooks ’25 commented, "I thoroughly enjoyed the patent office litigation bootcamp course. Both professors were highly knowledgeable and created an approachable overview to the patent litigation process from start to end. Overall, the course encouraged students to continue exploring patent litigation and opened powerful networking opportunities. I encourage every student who is interested in patent law to attend this immersive course."
"We are grateful to Judges Abraham and Gongola who generously volunteered their personal time to share their expertise and judicial insight during the Patent Office Litigation Bootcamp," Heather Terech, Managing Director of the Intellectual Property Program added. "Their ability to clearly explain complex patent law concepts made the program accessible to all students, regardless of technical background. It was a great practical learning experience for our students."
The Patent Office Litigation Bootcamp will be offered again next spring semester at Maryland Carey Law.