Registered patent practitioners are individuals who have passed the USPTO's registration exam and met the qualifications to represent patent applicants before the USPTO. Trademark practitioners are attorneys who are active members in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any State.
The Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) administers the registration exam and maintains a roster of current patent practitioners. OED also investigates grievances submitted against practitioners, provides public information about disciplinary actions against practitioners, coordinates a nationwide Patent Pro Bono Program for under-resourced inventors seeking free legal help, and administers a Law School Clinic Certification Program where law students gain experience in intellectual property law.