SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT IN TRADEMARK LAW

During the five years preceding application:

Average of at least 500 hours a year.

Minimum of 400 hours for any one year.

Practice equivalents may be accepted for the following:

• law professor in trademark law for up to two years
• trademark examiner at the USPTO for up to two years
• administrative law judge for the TTAB for up to three years

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION

During the five years preceding application:

At least 60 hours of CLE in trademark law and related areas.

No less than 6 credits in any one year.

Of the 60 hours, at least 34 hours in trademark law.

The remaining 26 hours may be in related areas including: business transactions, copyright, franchise law, internet law, sports and entertainment law, trade secrets, and unfair competition.

PEER REVIEW

Must provide the names of six lawyers or judges who are familiar with the competence and qualification of the applicant in trademark law.

All references must be licensed and in good standing to practice law and must have significant legal or judicial experience in trademark law.

A reference may not be related by blood or marriage to the applicant nor may the reference be a colleague at the applicant’s place of employment at the time of the application.

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

Additional provisions may apply, so please review the recertification standards set forth in 27 NCAC Subchapter D, Sections .3100.