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[mk1023]

Communications:

Most of the communication arts are ok, but people generally do not like classes 340 or 379. Those are really just boxes of junk, full of things like modems, answering machines, etc. The core consists of classes 370, 375, and 455. Most people seem to think class 455 is the best. It is the easiest to search. Class 709 is probably OK, and is really about the same as class 370, but probably better.

I don't think class 340 is that bad. Gadget-type inventions are easy to reject. Personally I'd stay away from 375 and 379. 455 is mostly good. 370 isn't really so bad. 709 cases are about the same level of difficulty (maybe a little easier) as 370 cases with a higher BD. I'll also throw out class 345 (AU2629 displays). They've hired quite a bit over the last few years. They have a fair of component level stuff, but also a lot of system level stuff (mobile phone UI). Lastly I think class 705 (business methods) could potentially be fun to work in. At the very least there should be a lot of system level stuff.

[nicka1386]

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[ChiefJRoberts]

Communications:

Most of the communication arts are ok, but people generally do not like classes 340 or 379. Those are really just boxes of junk, full of things like modems, answering machines, etc. The core consists of classes 370, 375, and 455. Most people seem to think class 455 is the best. It is the easiest to search. Class 709 is probably OK, and is really about the same as class 370, but probably better.

I don't think class 340 is that bad. Gadget-type inventions are easy to reject. Personally I'd stay away from 375 and 379. 455 is mostly good. 370 isn't really so bad. 709 cases are about the same level of difficulty (maybe a little easier) as 370 cases with a higher BD. I'll also throw out class 345 (AU2629 displays). They've hired quite a bit over the last few years. They have a fair of component level stuff, but also a lot of system level stuff (mobile phone UI). Lastly I think class 705 (business methods) could potentially be fun to work in. At the very least there should be a lot of system level stuff.

do you get to pick which art unit you're in?

[dablueman]

do you get to pick which art unit you're in?

Nope. Even when they asked you ahead of time to list where you'd like to be, they still put you where you're need the most as long as it is somewhat related to your background.

[horsechute]

"Lastly I think class 705 (business methods) could potentially be fun to work in."

Class 705 is/was the PTO's devil's island. It at least used to be a dumping ground for examiners who could not meet their production, people who left the office on bad terms but wanted to come back, etc. At one time, 40 percent of the examiners there were on oral warnings because they could not allow anything, and I heard of one SPE who told his art unit that each of them could allow only one case for the entire year, so pick your favorite one. The Bilski decision, when it gets handed down, will in my view almost certainly make it even harder to examine/issue patents in that group. 

[nummo]

the lady said my art unit would be 2600 and the SPE is david o...., but it would likely change closer to the start date of aug 2.

[mk1023]

"Lastly I think class 705 (business methods) could potentially be fun to work in."

Class 705 is/was the PTO's devil's island. It at least used to be a dumping ground for examiners who could not meet their production, people who left the office on bad terms but wanted to come back, etc. At one time, 40 percent of the examiners there were on oral warnings because they could not allow anything, and I heard of one SPE who told his art unit that each of them could allow only one case for the entire year, so pick your favorite one. The Bilski decision, when it gets handed down, will in my view almost certainly make it even harder to examine/issue patents in that group. 

I know quite a few people there now. Still don't get to allow much, but they're not miserable.

[mk1023]

the lady said my art unit would be 2600 and the SPE is david o...., but it would likely change closer to the start date of aug 2.

2600 is not an art unit it is a tech center (group of art units).

David O probably equals David Ometz. He's a SPE in 2622 (cameras)

[Jedi Patent]

I don't think 705 would be that difficult as long as you are allowed to interpret the claims and the prior art reasonably broad. 

[Examinerguy]

I hear nothing but bad things from business methods. They can't allow anything and the SPEs are reverting back to primaries at an alarming rate. 709 is very broad and is the trashcan for anything that doesn't fit into a pigeon hole of most other computer related arts...therefor the level of difficulty varies based on the case. 370 can be easy if you are given narrow subclasses, or torture if you are given the entire class.

[klaviernista]

709 is very broad and is the trashcan for anything that doesn't fit into a pigeon hole of most other computer related arts...therefor the level of difficulty varies based on the case.

Class 428 was/is like this for the chemical arts.  It basically covers anything with a layer on it, or anything with particles in it.  It is remarkable how much technology fits into those seemingly innocuous descriptions.

[horsechute]

A broad class, like 370, 709, 428 (or, for that matter, 435, and Tech Center 1797) is good because you get exposed to a lot of different technology, which helps if/when you leave the office. Even if you stay, it makes it more fun, at least to some people. 709 and 455 have relatively short schedules. 428 is a joke. The amount of art in each subclass is infinite. 370 and 435 started with one examiner, and now there is well over 100 in each. You now need an MS to examine 435, and 40 percent of the people have (or had) PhD's in the mainstream pharma classes, 514 and 424. Most people in class 435 don't like it, because those patents are highly litigated and often found invalid, at least from what I can see, so there is constant pressure for quality.

[r0lf3cbn]

Got the "not selected" notification email today, four months after applying and two and a half months after being interviewed. I don't think I'll be applying for jobs at the PTO again.

(my background: math/biology undergrad, master's in comp sci, JD, passed patent bar in 2007)

[doodah]

Same here, although I had abandoned all hope weeks ago.  Damn thing is that for a while I was eagerly anticipating some good news -- my interviewer told me I did really well and had an excellent shot at a spot, with my mechanical background the only drawback.  I guess it was a big drawback.  At least the absurdity of the process pushed me to sign up on this site -- this is my first post!

[mk1023]

I don't know what your guys' situation is, but lately the PTO has a lot more applicants for fewer openings. In the past they have shown a willingness to hire people with atypical backgrounds. I know one person that was a secretary for 10 years. I know two people that were previously stay at home moms and one person that was a stay at home dad. I know one person that was a cook. Private industry wouldn't have given those people a chance and they're all doing okay (except for the ex stay at home dad who quit). So if you don't have a better paying job in a few years consider applying again and maybe you'll be surprised.