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Because of the new USPTO proceedings created by the AIA, my firm recently announced a very large guaranteed yearly bonus ($30k) for associates that pass the patent bar, on top of performance bonuses. First year associates are eligible, even in the stub year (but its prorated).

This is a lot of cash sitting around for the taking. Besides going back to school and getting 24 credits in physics or some other field, how hard/likely is someone to gain eligibility through Category C, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam? Almost all states require a science background/degree to sit for the FE exam, but as far as I can tell, Michigan does not. Is this something I can study for and pass? Will Michigan let me sit for the exam without living in the state? Will the USPTO allow me to sit if I pass the FE without a science background? Since almost all states require a science degree/background to sit for the FE exam, maybe its assumed you have one to gain Cat C eligibility??

Firm doesn't do any prosecution so I'm not worried about mucking up somebody's patent. All this cash is just for IPR proceedings. For an extra $30k a year, I could definitely study for and pass two exams. Any thoughts?

FE was hard as fuck when I was in school, man. Can't imagine taking it now. I guess it would be worth $30k though.

Is this a big firm? Can you tell us who is paying that big of a bonus?

Are you sure the firm would pay it out to you if you aren't part of the Patent Lit group?

Firm has about 250 attorneys nationwide, main office in flyover but does patent lit in NY. Firm announced bonus to all attorneys, but you would likely get transferred to patent lit. I am already in the patent lit group, they did a great job at creating some animosity among associates, particularly the more senior associates. Blew my mind that stub year associates fresh from law school get prorated bonus.

Anonymous User wrote:Firm has about 250 attorneys nationwide, main office in flyover but does patent lit in NY. Firm announced bonus to all attorneys, but you would likely get transferred to patent lit. I am already in the patent lit group, they did a great job at creating some animosity among associates, particularly the more senior associates. Blew my mind that stub year associates fresh from law school get prorated bonus.

You mind PM'ing me the firm, so I can try to start a movement to get this shit at my firm.

yea also that, lol. 30k bonus every year? that's insane.

patogordo wrote:yea also that, lol. 30k bonus every year? that's insane.

It isn't insane, it's justified.

Desert Fox wrote:

patogordo wrote:yea also that, lol. 30k bonus every year? that's insane.

It isn't insane, it's justified.

would probably cause a riot here

Any chance you could name the firm, or PM it? Promise to keep it in confidence if you want.

As for your actual Q, go for it. It'll be a shit load of study time, but for $30k/yr def worth it, at least to me

My memories of the FE are fading fast, but it was a lot like the bar - not much of what I learned in school was actually helpful on the test. You get a thick formula book, and it's pretty much a question of which formula to apply when. The afternoon session (discipline-specific) would probably be tougher. I'd pick ME or CE.