Please review the general requirements for certification and continued certification, as well as the standards for Trademark Law.

SUMMARY OF STANDARDS

LICENSURE

Licensed and in good standing to practice law in North Carolina as of the date of application.

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 three years preceding application:

At least 36 hours of CLE in trademark law and related areas.

Of the 36 hours, at least 20 hours in trademark law.

The remaining 16 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 ten 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.

EXAM

Four 90-minute sessions (six hours long).

Exam sessions begin around 8:15 am and finish prior to 5 pm.

Includes multiple-choice, short answer, and short essay questions.

Exam administered at the NC State Bar building or through a remote proctoring option.