That's true if the examiner isn't seeking (or can't progress) beyond examiner responsibilities. There's basically two career moves to escape just being a examination manager: (1) put your head down, do the examiner work for 2 or 3 years, then transition back to private practice with an IP firm that will give you plenty of prosecution and TTAB work because of your experience from the inside; (2) take on additional responsibilities within the USPTO, such as with the TTAB or OPIA. I've met attorneys in both divisions that started as examiners. I don't see the mundane job description as a negative, in the sense that it's may be a boring dead-end job. I do concur that as a career position the TM examiner job's GS pay progression is a bait and switch, where hardly anyone hits a decent salary before leaving. I'm merely pointing out that (for better or worse) the job is just a means to an end. Considering the difficulty of landing a good soft-IP job out of law school, TM examination is a pretty good option, but you have to keep your feet moving.Anonymous User wrote: ↑Wed Jan 26, 2022 11:57 amThe difference is that this aspect of the USPTO job "The work is mundane and not attorney level work at all" does not change when moving up in the GS grades. It's not an entry-level issue; it's a USPTO TM examiner career issue.Anonymous User wrote: ↑Tue Jan 25, 2022 11:41 amAnecdotally, my experience with the hiring managers was pleasant and the people I've met from the USPTO like their jobs (trademark examiners, foreign attache agents, managers, etc.). However, I also don't doubt that some people are burnt out or disillusioned or otherwise don't like the work, and I've definitely see many people voicing concern about the increased work and diminishing morale. The USPTO does appear to be addressing issues, namely, the new training and on-boarding protocol for TM examiners. Also, the pandemic has forced the trademark side to match the WFH standards the patent examiners have enjoyed for many years, which makes the position much more appealing for those not wanting to move to Alexandria. Lastly, I'll note that my current position as a private practice associate can also be called "mundane and not attorney level work at all" with inconsistent training, unattainable billable hours, and demoralizing. So at a certain point, criticism of the trademark examiner position (mostly a starter job) is consistent with most other entry level attorney positions.Anonymous User wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:59 pmIs anyone else under the impression that the hiring managers can barely be bothered with the motions of the interview, don't seem to like working at the USPTO all that much, and don't even like trademarks at all? I bet if an interviewee asked each of them to say what they liked best about working at the USPTO, they would be taken aback by the question and struggle to come up with an answer.
See also: "Management - from immediate to almost the very top - is horrid. Training is inconsistent. Everyone seems unhappy or resigned to the work they have to do because everyone needs a job, the pay is eventually ok, and there is some job security. The work is mundane and not attorney level work at all, and pro se applicants are at a disadvantage. The new workload is almost unattainable without cutting corners, which weakens the validity of registrations." https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/US-Pa ... =PART_TIME
If you're an examiner, I'd love more elaboration and insight on your thoughts of the TM examiner career track.