USPTO to Host Webinar on OED Programs Including Diversion and Patent Pro Bono Services

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will host a live webinar on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, spotlighting the Office of Enrollment and Discipline’s (OED) key programs. This event is part of the ongoing USPTO Hour series, which offers weekly educational sessions every Wednesday at noon ET.

The upcoming session will focus on three primary programs administered by the OED. First, the Diversion Program, which is designed to assist individuals who are subject to disciplinary investigations by providing an alternative resolution path. This program aims to address issues proactively and may offer participants an opportunity to resolve matters without formal disciplinary proceedings.

Additionally, the webinar will cover the Law School Clinic and Patent Pro Bono programs. These initiatives provide valuable legal services to those seeking assistance with patent and trademark matters. The Law School Clinic program allows law students to gain practical experience under supervision while helping clients navigate intellectual property issues. The Patent Pro Bono program connects inventors and small businesses with volunteer patent attorneys who offer free legal support.

Kimberly C. Kelleher, who serves as Deputy General Counsel for Enrollment and Discipline and Director of the OED, will lead the presentation. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a live question-and-answer session following the presentation. Questions may be submitted in advance or during the webinar by emailing USPTOHour@uspto.gov.

Participants are encouraged to register in advance to secure their place in the webinar. The USPTO also welcomes suggestions for future USPTO Hour topics and ideas via the same email address.

The USPTO Hour series provides ongoing educational outreach on various intellectual property topics. Past sessions and presentation materials are available on the USPTO Hour webpage for those unable to attend live.

For those experiencing difficulties accessing links related to the webinar, the USPTO advises contacting IT or email administrators to whitelist the domains links-1.govdelivery.com and links-2.govdelivery.com to ensure full access.

To stay informed about upcoming USPTO events and updates, individuals can subscribe to regular email notifications through the USPTO subscription center at www.uspto.gov/subscribe.

This webinar represents an important opportunity for patent practitioners, applicants, and others interested in intellectual property law to learn about resources and support programs offered by the USPTO’s Office of Enrollment and Discipline.