12-Week Patent Bar Study Plan

Related Guide: Complete Patent Bar Study Plan Guide

Key Takeaways

• 12 weeks (180 hours total) provides the most thorough, comfortable preparation timeline
• Requires just 15 hours per week (approximately 2 hours per day including weekends)
• Weeks 1-3 establish strong foundation in exam mechanics, MPEP navigation, and patent law basics
• Weeks 4-6 achieve complete AIA mastery through gradual, thorough coverage
• Weeks 7-10 cover all Priority One chapters with extended time for deep understanding
• Week 11 efficiently covers Priority Two topics after solid Priority One foundation
• Week 12 focuses on practice exams and final preparation with minimal pressure
• Ideal for candidates new to patent law, working full-time, or preferring comfortable pacing

Why 12 Weeks Is the Ideal Timeline for Many Candidates

The 12-week patent bar study plan offers the most relaxed, sustainable path to exam readiness. While 4-week and 8-week plans work well for many candidates, the 12-week timeline provides unique advantages: deeper conceptual understanding through gradual exposure, reduced daily time commitment that fits almost any schedule, and mental breathing room that prevents burnout and maintains motivation across three months.

With just 2 hours of study required per day (15 hours per week), this timeline accommodates virtually any schedule. Working full-time? Study one hour in the morning before work and one hour in the evening. Have family obligations? Study during lunch breaks and after kids are in bed. Prefer weekends? Compress the 15 hours into Saturday and Sunday. The daily requirement is so manageable that life’s inevitable interruptions won’t derail your preparation.

The 12-week plan particularly benefits candidates new to patent law. If you’ve never studied patent prosecution, the concepts can initially seem foreign and complex. The extended timeline allows each concept to settle before building on it. You’ll study AIA provisions over three weeks (Weeks 4-6) rather than cramming them into one week, giving your brain time to truly internalize these critical concepts.

Research on learning and memory consistently shows that spaced repetition—encountering material multiple times over extended periods—improves long-term retention more than intensive short-term study. The 12-week plan naturally incorporates this principle. You’ll encounter Priority One topics multiple times: initial study (Weeks 7-10), practice exam application (Week 12), and targeted review. This repeated exposure builds mastery that endures through exam day and beyond.

Week-by-Week Overview

Understanding how the 12 weeks fit together helps you see the strategic progression from complete beginner to exam-ready candidate.

Weeks 1-3: Foundation Building – Comprehensive introduction to the patent bar exam, MPEP structure and navigation, and fundamental patent law concepts. These three weeks ensure you understand what you’re preparing for and how to use the tools (MPEP) that will be available on exam day.

Weeks 4-6: AIA Deep Mastery – Three full weeks dedicated to the America Invents Act, covering 35 USC 102 provisions in extensive detail. The extended timeline allows you to truly understand these complex provisions rather than just memorizing rules. AIA accounts for 20-25% of the exam, making this investment worthwhile.

Weeks 7-10: Priority One Topics – Four weeks covering the five most heavily tested MPEP chapters (600, 700, 1200, 1800, 2100). Each chapter receives more time than in shorter plans, allowing thorough understanding and extensive practice with embedded quizzes. These four weeks build the core knowledge that accounts for 50-60% of exam questions.

Week 11: Priority Two Completion – With solid Priority One foundation, you can efficiently cover Priority Two topics in one week. The continuation practice, reissue, and post-grant proceedings covered this week account for another 25-30% of the exam.

Week 12: Practice Exams & Final Preparation – The final week focuses on assessment through practice exams, comprehensive review, and mental preparation. With 11 weeks of solid study behind you, this week builds confidence rather than cramming final concepts.

Week 1: Course Introduction

Week 1 provides comprehensive orientation to the patent bar exam and the study process ahead. Rather than rushing into content, you’ll build proper understanding of the exam itself.

Week 1 Schedule (15 hours total)

Monday: Overview and Welcome (2 hours)

Session Focus: Complete the Wysebridge Course Overview and Welcome module. Understand what the patent bar exam is, why it exists, who should take it, and what passing enables you to do. Learn about the course structure: Priority One, Two, and Three topics, the role of embedded quizzes, and how to track your progress through the platform.

Key Learning Objectives: Set clear expectations for the next 12 weeks. Understand that this is a learnable exam—it tests knowledge and procedures, not innate ability. Feel oriented and ready to begin systematic preparation.

Wysebridge Module: Course Overview and Welcome

Tuesday: Strategies for Efficient Study & Preparation Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Learn proven study strategies specific to the patent bar: why practice questions matter more than passive reading, how to use the MPEP efficiently, the importance of understanding over memorization, and how to review mistakes productively. These strategies will guide your study approach for all 12 weeks.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand how to study effectively, not just what to study. Learn that the patent bar rewards strategic preparation more than raw study hours. Commit to the active learning approach that leads to success.

Wysebridge Module: Study Strategies Part 1

Wednesday: Strategies for Efficient Study & Preparation Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Continue study strategies covering time management, creating effective study schedules, balancing work and study, avoiding common pitfalls, and maintaining motivation over 12 weeks. Learn about the error categorization system for reviewing mistakes and the importance of pattern recognition in questions.

Key Learning Objectives: Have concrete techniques for staying on track over three months. Know how to balance study with other life commitments. Understand that consistent 2-hour daily sessions beat sporadic longer sessions.

Wysebridge Module: Study Strategies Part 2

Thursday: Introduction to Patent Bar Exam Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Deep dive into exam specifics: 100 questions, 6 hours, computer-based testing, closed-book except for searchable MPEP, passing score around 70, scheduling and registration process, what to bring on exam day. Learn about question distribution across topics and why Priority One topics receive such emphasis.

Key Learning Objectives: Know exactly what you’re preparing for. Understand exam logistics so nothing surprises you. Learn why MPEP navigation skills are as important as content knowledge.

Wysebridge Module: Introduction to Patent Bar Exam Part 1

Friday: Introduction to Patent Bar Exam Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Continue exam introduction covering scoring, result timelines, retake policies, and exam day procedures. Learn about the testing center environment, check-in process, and what happens during the exam. Understand the two-pass time management strategy and why it’s critical for success.

Key Learning Objectives: Complete understanding of exam logistics. Reduce exam day anxiety by knowing exactly what to expect. Understand that the exam is challenging but very passable with proper preparation.

Wysebridge Module: Introduction to Patent Bar Exam Part 2

Saturday: Answer Sheet Template + Exam: Feel & Demo Part 1 (3 hours)

Session Focus: Work through the answer sheet template tutorial showing how to flag questions, navigate between questions, and use on-screen tools. Begin the comprehensive exam demonstration showing the actual testing interface, how search works, and how to approach different question types systematically.

Key Learning Objectives: Build familiarity with exam mechanics before worrying about content. See what the actual exam interface looks like and how to use it efficiently. Understand that practicing with the interface reduces exam day stress.

Wysebridge Module: Answer Sheet Template + Exam Demo Part 1

Sunday: Exam: Feel & Demo Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Complete the exam demonstration including detailed walkthroughs of answering different question types: direct lookup questions, application questions requiring analysis, complex scenario questions, and calculation questions. See multiple examples of using the MPEP to find answers during the exam.

Key Learning Objectives: Complete confidence in exam mechanics. See exactly how successful test-takers approach questions. Understand that different question types require different strategies and time investments.

Wysebridge Module: Exam Demo Part 2

Week 1 Total: 15 hours | Foundation established in exam understanding and study strategies

Week 2: Exam Preparation & MPEP Basics

Week 2 builds critical MPEP navigation skills and deepens understanding of exam question types. These skills support all content learning in subsequent weeks.

Week 2 Schedule (15 hours total)

Monday: Types of Questions On The Exam Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Detailed study of different question formats: straightforward rule application questions, multi-step procedural questions, exception-testing questions, timing/calculation questions, and scenario-based questions requiring synthesis of multiple rules. Learn to identify question types quickly and apply appropriate strategies.

Key Learning Objectives: Recognize question patterns that recur throughout the exam. Understand that identifying question type immediately tells you where to search in the MPEP and what kind of analysis is required.

Wysebridge Module: Question Types Part 1

Tuesday: Types of Questions On The Exam Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Continue question type study with practice examples of each type. Learn about distractor patterns in wrong answers and how to eliminate obviously incorrect options. Understand how to triage questions as easy, medium, or hard for time management purposes.

Key Learning Objectives: Develop instinct for question classification. Learn to spot trap answers and common distractor patterns. Build confidence that with proper preparation, most questions become manageable.

Wysebridge Module: Question Types Part 2

Wednesday: Introduction to the MPEP Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Comprehensive MPEP introduction covering its history, purpose, structure, and legal status. Learn the nine-chapter framework and what major topics live in each chapter. Understand how the MPEP relates to statutes (35 USC) and regulations (37 CFR).

Key Learning Objectives: Develop mental map of MPEP organization. Know that office actions are in Chapter 700, patentability in Chapter 2100, continuation practice in Chapter 200, etc. This structural knowledge is the foundation of efficient navigation.

Wysebridge Module: Introduction to MPEP Part 1

Thursday: Introduction to the MPEP Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Continue MPEP introduction with deeper dive into how chapters are organized internally, how to read MPEP section numbers, and the significance of different revision dates. Learn about high-frequency sections within chapters and how to use the table of contents effectively.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand MPEP internal organization well enough to navigate efficiently. Know how to identify the most relevant sections within a chapter. Build confidence that the MPEP is navigable, not overwhelming.

Wysebridge Module: Introduction to MPEP Part 2

Friday: How To Search The MPEP – Walkthroughs Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin hands-on MPEP search training. Learn the three-tier search strategy: structural navigation (identifying the right chapter), keyword searching (finding specific sections), and cross-reference following (locating related information). Watch multiple search demonstrations with different topics.

Key Learning Objectives: Begin building practical search skills. Understand that efficient searching is systematic, not random. Learn to choose effective search terms that return focused results.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Search Walkthroughs Part 1

Saturday: How To Search The MPEP – Walkthroughs Part 2 + Practice (3 hours)

Session Focus: Complete search walkthroughs covering advanced techniques: using the index, following cross-references, searching within specific sections, and combining search strategies. Then begin timed practice drills: find specific information in the MPEP within 90 seconds. Complete 10-15 timed search exercises.

Key Learning Objectives: Build search speed through repetition. Develop muscle memory for common searches. Begin to internalize where frequently-tested topics live in the MPEP.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Search Walkthroughs Part 2 + Practice Drills

Sunday: MPEP Search Practice Session (2 hours)

Session Focus: Extended practice session doing 15-20 additional timed search drills across various topics. Track your search times and note which topics you find quickly vs. slowly. Focus on searches that are taking more than 90 seconds—these reveal areas needing more practice.

Key Learning Objectives: Solidify search skills before beginning content study. Achieve confidence that you can find most information in under 90 seconds. Identify any persistent navigation challenges to address.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Search Practice Session

Week 2 Total: 15 hours | MPEP navigation skills established

Week 3: Patent Law Fundamentals

Week 3 introduces core patent law concepts that underlie all subsequent study. This conceptual foundation helps everything else make sense.

Week 3 Schedule (15 hours total)

Monday: Introduction to Patent Law Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin patent law fundamentals: what patents are, how they differ from other intellectual property (copyright, trademark, trade secret), types of patents (utility, design, plant), and basic patent rights. Learn about patent term, maintenance fees, and what happens when patents expire.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand patents in the broader IP landscape. Know what rights patents grant and don’t grant. Grasp that patents are limited monopolies with specific requirements and durations.

Wysebridge Module: Introduction to Patent Law Part 1

Tuesday: Introduction to Patent Law Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Continue patent law introduction covering the patent prosecution process from filing through issuance, the role of patent examiners, applicant rights and obligations, and patent practitioner roles. Understand the difference between prosecution (getting a patent) and litigation (enforcing a patent).

Key Learning Objectives: Understand the basic prosecution timeline and key milestones. Know that the exam tests prosecution knowledge almost exclusively. Grasp how different parties (applicant, practitioner, examiner) interact during prosecution.

Wysebridge Module: Introduction to Patent Law Part 2

Wednesday: Patentability – Defining & Core Criteria (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin detailed patentability study covering the four core requirements: subject matter eligibility (35 USC 101), novelty (35 USC 102), non-obviousness (35 USC 103), and utility (35 USC 101). Understand these as independent requirements—an invention must satisfy all four to be patentable.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand high-level patentability framework. Know that 101 (eligibility and utility), 102 (novelty), and 103 (non-obviousness) are tested heavily. Grasp that these concepts will be explored in much more detail in subsequent weeks.

Wysebridge Module: Patentability – Core Criteria

Thursday: Patentability – Statutory Bars & Prior Art (2 hours)

Session Focus: Introduction to prior art concepts and how prior art affects patentability. Learn what types of disclosures constitute prior art and when they can be used against patent applications. Introduce AIA changes to prior art rules (setting up Weeks 4-6 detailed study).

Key Learning Objectives: Understand prior art’s fundamental role in patentability analysis. Know that AIA significantly changed what constitutes prior art and when. Build anticipation for the detailed AIA study ahead.

Wysebridge Module: Patentability – Prior Art Introduction

Friday: Patentability – Challenges & Recap (2 hours)

Session Focus: Study enablement and written description requirements (35 USC 112), definiteness requirements, and how all patentability requirements work together. Learn about common patentability challenges and how applicants respond to rejections. Complete patentability module wrap-up.

Key Learning Objectives: Complete high-level understanding of all patentability requirements. Know that 112 requirements (enablement, written description, definiteness) are critical and heavily tested. Understand you now have conceptual framework for detailed study ahead.

Wysebridge Module: Patentability – 112 Requirements & Recap

Saturday: Terminology and Nuanced Language of MPEP (3 hours)

Session Focus: Study essential patent terminology and MPEP-specific language: prior art, effective filing date, claimed invention, specification, embodiment, enablement, written description, prima facie case, traversal, restriction, rejoinder, copendency, etc. Learn that precise terminology matters—similar terms often have distinct legal meanings.

Key Learning Objectives: Master terminology used throughout the exam. Understand that knowing terms precisely helps you search the MPEP efficiently and understand questions accurately. Build vocabulary that supports all future study.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Terminology

Sunday: Review Weeks 1-3 + Practice Questions (2 hours)

Session Focus: Comprehensive review of Weeks 1-3 covering exam mechanics, MPEP navigation skills, and patent law fundamentals. Complete 20-30 introductory practice questions testing basic concepts and terminology. Review any questions you miss to identify gaps before moving to AIA content.

Key Learning Objectives: Solidify foundational knowledge. Ensure you understand core concepts before building on them. Gain first experience with practice questions, focusing on the question review process.

Wysebridge Module: Weeks 1-3 Comprehensive Review + Practice Questions

Week 3 Total: 15 hours | Solid foundation in patent law concepts and terminology

Week 4: AIA Introduction

Week 4 begins three weeks of intensive AIA study. The America Invents Act fundamentally changed U.S. patent law, and these provisions account for 20-25% of exam questions. The extended timeline allows thorough mastery.

Week 4 Schedule (15 hours total)

Monday: AIA Introduction Complete (2 hours)

Session Focus: Comprehensive AIA introduction: what the America Invents Act changed, why it was enacted, when it took effect, and which applications are subject to AIA vs. pre-AIA rules. Learn the fundamental shift from first-to-invent to first-inventor-to-file (FITF) and why this matters.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand AIA’s paradigm shift. Know how to determine whether an application is subject to AIA or pre-AIA rules based on effective filing date. Grasp why AIA questions are so prevalent on the exam.

Wysebridge Module: AIA Introduction Complete

Tuesday: AIA General Overview Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin detailed AIA overview covering the new definition of prior art under 35 USC 102(a), the grace period under 102(b), and how these provisions interact. Introduce the four subsections you’ll study in detail: 102(a)(1), 102(b)(1), 102(a)(2), and 102(b)(2).

Key Learning Objectives: Understand AIA’s two-part structure: what constitutes prior art (102(a)) and exceptions to prior art (102(b)). See how the four subsections fit together into a coherent framework.

Wysebridge Module: AIA General Overview Part 1

Wednesday: AIA General Overview Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Complete AIA overview with examples showing how the new provisions apply to various scenarios. Compare and contrast AIA vs. pre-AIA rules to highlight key differences. Learn strategies for approaching AIA questions on the exam.

Key Learning Objectives: Complete conceptual understanding of AIA before diving into detailed provisions. Know that AIA questions often involve determining prior art status based on dates, disclosures, and exceptions. Feel prepared for detailed study ahead.

Wysebridge Module: AIA General Overview Part 2

Thursday: 35 USC 102(a) Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin detailed study of 35 USC 102(a)(1)—the core prior art provision. Focus on the first category: patents. Learn when issued patents constitute prior art, what “before the effective filing date” means, and how to determine effective filing dates for various application types.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand patents as prior art under AIA. Master timing requirements—prior art must predate the effective filing date. Begin building systematic approach to prior art analysis.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(a) Part 1 – Patents

Friday: 35 USC 102(a) Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Continue 102(a)(1) studying printed publications as prior art. Learn what constitutes a printed publication, public accessibility requirements, and how date of public accessibility is determined. Study various publication types: journal articles, conference papers, theses, online publications, etc.

Key Learning Objectives: Master printed publication prior art. Understand that public accessibility, not formal publication, determines prior art status. Know how to evaluate whether something qualifies as a printed publication.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(a) Part 2 – Printed Publications

Saturday: 35 USC 102(a) Part 3 (3 hours)

Session Focus: Continue 102(a)(1) with public use and on-sale bar provisions. Learn what constitutes public use under AIA (any public use, not just in the U.S.), when inventions are considered “on sale,” and critical timing requirements. Study Metallizing Engineering case and key precedent on on-sale bar.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand public use and on-sale bars under AIA. Know that these bars trigger even before patent filing, making them significant risks during product development. Master timing and activity requirements for each bar.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(a) Part 3 – Public Use and On Sale

Sunday: 35 USC 102(a) Part 4 + Review (2 hours)

Session Focus: Complete 102(a)(1) with “otherwise available to the public” catch-all provision. Study how this provision captures any public disclosure not fitting other categories. Review all 102(a)(1) categories together with comparative examples. Complete embedded quizzes on 102(a).

Key Learning Objectives: Complete understanding of what constitutes prior art under 102(a)(1). Know how to classify disclosures into the appropriate category and evaluate timing. Begin recognizing 102(a) question patterns.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(a) Part 4 + Review with Quizzes

Week 4 Total: 15 hours | Complete 35 USC 102(a) mastery achieved

Week 5: AIA – 102(b)

Week 5 covers 35 USC 102(b) exceptions—the grace period provisions that prevent certain disclosures from being used as prior art. These exceptions are complex and heavily tested.

Week 5 Schedule (15 hours total)

Monday: 35 USC 102(b) Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin 35 USC 102(b)(1) study with overview of the one-year grace period. Understand that certain disclosures made within one year before effective filing date don’t count as prior art. Learn the first exception under 102(b)(1)(A): inventor’s own disclosures.

Key Learning Objectives: Grasp the grace period concept—not all public disclosures destroy patentability under AIA. Understand that inventors can publicly disclose their own work within one year before filing without losing patent rights.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(b) Part 1 – Grace Period Introduction

Tuesday: 35 USC 102(b) Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Continue 102(b)(1) with detailed study of what qualifies as “a disclosure made by the inventor.” Learn about joint inventors, disclosures by assignees or those who obtained the subject matter from the inventor, and timing requirements. Study various disclosure scenarios and whether they qualify for the exception.

Key Learning Objectives: Master what disclosures qualify for the inventor exception. Understand that even public disclosures within one year can be excepted if made by or obtained from the inventor. Know how to trace disclosure sources.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(b) Part 2 – Inventor Disclosure Exception

Wednesday: 35 USC 102(b) Part 3 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Study 102(b)(1)(B) exception: disclosures that occurred after a public disclosure by the inventor. Learn how an inventor’s earlier disclosure can “shield” against later third-party disclosures within the one-year grace period. Understand timing requirements and how to sequence multiple disclosures.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand the “inventor shield” concept. Know that if an inventor publicly discloses first, subsequent third-party disclosures of the same subject matter within one year don’t count as prior art. Master multi-disclosure timing analysis.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(b) Part 3 – Subsequent Disclosure Exception

Thursday: 35 USC 102(b) Part 4 + Review (2 hours)

Session Focus: Complete 102(b)(1) with comprehensive examples showing how exceptions work in complex scenarios involving multiple inventors, multiple disclosures, and various timing patterns. Complete all 102(b)(1) embedded quizzes. Review mistakes thoroughly.

Key Learning Objectives: Achieve mastery of 102(b)(1) exceptions. Be able to analyze complex scenarios with multiple disclosures and determine what is/isn’t prior art. Recognize common question patterns testing these exceptions.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(b) Part 4 + Comprehensive Review with Quizzes

Friday: Review 102(a) and 102(b) Together (2 hours)

Session Focus: Comprehensive review showing how 102(a) and 102(b) interact. Work through scenarios requiring analysis of what would be prior art under 102(a) and whether exceptions under 102(b) apply. Create summary charts showing the complete prior art framework.

Key Learning Objectives: Synthesize 102(a) and 102(b) knowledge into unified understanding. Develop systematic approach: identify potential prior art under 102(a), check for exceptions under 102(b), determine final prior art status. Build confidence with this critical material.

Wysebridge Module: 102(a) and 102(b) Integration Review

Saturday: Practice Problems on 102(a) and 102(b) (3 hours)

Session Focus: Extended practice session working through 40-50 practice questions testing 102(a) and 102(b) in various combinations. Focus on scenario-based questions involving multiple disclosures, complex timing, and exception analysis. Review all mistakes thoroughly using the error categorization method.

Key Learning Objectives: Apply 102(a) and 102(b) knowledge to exam-style questions. Identify any remaining gaps or confusion. Build speed and confidence in prior art analysis. Achieve 75%+ accuracy on these practice questions.

Wysebridge Module: 102(a) and 102(b) Practice Question Set

Sunday: 35 USC 102(a)(2) Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin 35 USC 102(a)(2) study—prior art from U.S. patents, published applications, and WIPO publications. Understand that 102(a)(2) differs from 102(a)(1) in critical ways: what counts as prior art and when it becomes prior art. Introduce the effective filing date concept as it applies to 102(a)(2).

Key Learning Objectives: Understand 102(a)(2) as distinct from 102(a)(1). Know that U.S. applications become prior art as of their effective filing date even if published later. Begin building framework for understanding how applications are used as prior art.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(a)(2) Part 1 – Introduction

Week 5 Total: 15 hours | Complete 102(b)(1) mastery + begin 102(a)(2)

Week 6: AIA – 102(a)(2) & 102(b)(2)

Week 6 completes AIA study with the most complex provisions: 102(a)(2) and 102(b)(2). These sections involve prior art from patent applications and exceptions for commonly owned work.

Week 6 Schedule (15 hours total)

Monday: 35 USC 102(a)(2) Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Continue 102(a)(2) study focusing on when U.S. patent applications become prior art. Learn that published applications are prior art as of their effective filing date, not publication date. Study how continuation applications’ effective filing dates are determined and how this affects their prior art date.

Key Learning Objectives: Master timing rules for 102(a)(2) prior art. Understand that effective filing date (not publication date) determines when applications become prior art. Know how priority claims affect effective filing dates.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(a)(2) Part 2 – Timing and Effective Filing Date

Tuesday: 35 USC 102(a)(2) Part 3 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Study what disclosures in applications count as 102(a)(2) prior art: the entire specification and any incorporated references, but only claims actually granted for issued patents. Learn about WIPO published applications and when international applications become 102(a)(2) prior art.

Key Learning Objectives: Know what parts of applications constitute prior art. Understand the specification-as-filed becomes prior art, but claim amendments don’t retroactively affect prior art content. Master WIPO publication rules.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(a)(2) Part 3 – Prior Art Content

Wednesday: 35 USC 102(a)(2) Part 4 + Review (2 hours)

Session Focus: Complete 102(a)(2) with comprehensive examples showing how it applies in continuation practice, co-pending applications, and priority claims. Complete all 102(a)(2) embedded quizzes. Review thoroughly, as this is complex material that trips up many candidates.

Key Learning Objectives: Achieve complete understanding of 102(a)(2). Know how to determine when an application is prior art against a later application, particularly in continuation scenarios. Recognize that 102(a)(2) questions frequently involve continuation practice.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(a)(2) Part 4 + Comprehensive Review with Quizzes

Thursday: 35 USC 102(b)(2) Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin 35 USC 102(b)(2)—exceptions to 102(a)(2) prior art. Study the first exception under 102(b)(2)(A): disclosures in prior-filed applications by the same applicant or subject to a common assignment. Learn common ownership requirements and timing.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand that your own earlier-filed applications don’t count as prior art against your later applications if commonly owned. Know the common ownership timing requirement (must be commonly owned at later application’s effective filing date).

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(b)(2) Part 1 – Common Ownership Exception

Friday: 35 USC 102(b)(2) Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Continue 102(b)(2) with 102(b)(2)(B) exception: disclosures obtained from inventor. Learn when third-party applications don’t count as prior art because they contain subject matter obtained from the inventor. Study the 102(b)(2)(C) exception for joint research agreements.

Key Learning Objectives: Master all three 102(b)(2) exceptions. Understand that these exceptions prevent commonly owned work and joint research from creating prior art problems. Know the requirements for each exception to apply.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(b)(2) Part 2 – Additional Exceptions

Saturday: 35 USC 102(b)(2) Part 3 + Review (3 hours)

Session Focus: Complete 102(b)(2) with comprehensive examples showing how exceptions work in complex continuation scenarios, co-pending applications from related parties, and joint research situations. Complete all 102(b)(2) quizzes. Do integrated practice combining 102(a)(2) and 102(b)(2) analysis.

Key Learning Objectives: Achieve mastery of the most complex AIA provisions. Be able to analyze whether co-pending applications create prior art issues and whether exceptions resolve those issues. Recognize 102(a)(2)/102(b)(2) question patterns.

Wysebridge Module: 35 USC 102(b)(2) Part 3 + Comprehensive Review with Quizzes

Sunday: FITF Quiz + Review (2 hours)

Session Focus: Complete comprehensive First Inventor to File (FITF) quiz covering all AIA 102 provisions in integrated scenarios. This quiz tests your ability to apply 102(a)(1), 102(b)(1), 102(a)(2), and 102(b)(2) together in complex fact patterns. Review all mistakes thoroughly—this identifies any remaining AIA gaps.

Key Learning Objectives: Assess complete AIA understanding. Identify any remaining weak spots in your AIA knowledge. Ensure you can handle the complex AIA questions that appear on the exam.

Wysebridge Module: FITF Comprehensive Quiz + Review

Week 6 Total: 15 hours | Complete AIA mastery achieved (all four subsections)

Week 7: AIA Completion & Chapter 600 Start

Week 7 completes AIA with final comprehensive review and assessment, then begins Priority One topics with Chapter 600 (application content requirements).

Week 7 Schedule (15 hours total)

Monday: AIA Quiz + Thorough Review of Mistakes (2 hours)

Session Focus: Complete the comprehensive AIA quiz testing all provisions across various question types. This quiz is longer and more challenging than the FITF quiz, including questions that combine AIA with other topics. Spend extensive time reviewing every mistake—categorize error types and identify patterns.

Key Learning Objectives: Final AIA assessment before moving to new material. Ensure you achieve 75%+ accuracy on AIA questions. Address any lingering confusion now while AIA is still fresh.

Wysebridge Module: AIA Comprehensive Quiz + Mistake Analysis

Tuesday: Comprehensive AIA Review Session (2 hours)

Session Focus: Final comprehensive AIA review covering all four subsections. Create master summary charts showing the complete prior art framework: what’s prior art under 102(a)(1) and 102(a)(2), what exceptions apply under 102(b)(1) and 102(b)(2), and how to systematically analyze any scenario. Review high-frequency AIA question patterns.

Key Learning Objectives: Solidify AIA knowledge for long-term retention. Have clear mental frameworks for approaching any AIA question. Feel confident that three weeks of AIA study has prepared you thoroughly for this 20-25% of the exam.

Wysebridge Module: AIA Final Comprehensive Review

Wednesday: MPEP Chapter 600 Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin MPEP Chapter 600 (Parts, Form, and Content of Application). Study what must be included in a patent application to receive a filing date: specification, at least one claim, and required fees. Learn basic specification requirements including title, abstract, and background sections.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand what makes an application complete for filing purposes. Know the minimum requirements for receiving a filing date vs. optional elements that can be added later. Begin transitioning from AIA to procedural topics.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 600 Part 1

Thursday: MPEP Chapter 600 Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Continue Chapter 600 with detailed specification requirements: written description requirements, best mode requirement (no longer enforceable but still must be included), and how specifications support claims. Learn about incorporation by reference rules.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand specification content requirements thoroughly. Know that specifications must enable and describe the claimed invention—connecting to Chapter 2100 concepts you’ll study later. Master incorporation by reference rules.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 600 Part 2

Friday: MPEP Chapter 600 Part 3 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Continue Chapter 600 studying claim requirements: claim format, claim types (independent vs. dependent), transitional phrases (comprising, consisting of, consisting essentially of), and claim definiteness requirements. Learn proper claim structure and common claim defects.

Key Learning Objectives: Master claim format requirements. Understand the difference between independent and dependent claims and when each is appropriate. Know what makes claims indefinite or improper.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 600 Part 3

Saturday: MPEP Chapter 600 Part 4 + Quizzes (3 hours)

Session Focus: Complete Chapter 600 with drawings requirements, oath/declaration requirements, and filing date requirements summary. Learn when drawings are required, formal drawing requirements, and oath/declaration content requirements. Complete all Chapter 600 embedded quizzes thoroughly.

Key Learning Objectives: Complete Chapter 600 mastery. Know all application content requirements that appear regularly on the exam. Understand how deficiencies in applications are handled procedurally.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 600 Part 4 + All Quizzes

Sunday: MPEP Chapter 600 Review + Quiz Mistakes (2 hours)

Session Focus: Comprehensive Chapter 600 review covering all application content requirements. Review all quiz mistakes thoroughly. Create a summary sheet of what’s required vs. optional in applications. Practice quick navigation to frequently referenced Chapter 600 sections.

Key Learning Objectives: Solidify Chapter 600 knowledge before moving to Chapter 700. Ensure you can quickly distinguish required from optional application content. Feel confident about application content questions.

Wysebridge Module: Chapter 600 Comprehensive Review

Week 7 Total: 15 hours | Complete AIA mastery confirmed + Chapter 600 complete

Week 8: Chapter 700

Week 8 dedicates an entire week to Chapter 700 (Examination of Applications)—one of the longest and most frequently tested chapters. The extended study time ensures thorough understanding.

Week 8 Schedule (15 hours total)

Monday: MPEP Chapter 700 Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin Chapter 700 with examination fundamentals: how examiners review applications, what office actions contain, and different types of office actions (non-final, final, advisory). Learn the examination cycle and how applications progress through prosecution.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand the examination process from the examiner’s perspective. Know what triggers different office action types. Grasp that Chapter 700 provides the procedural framework for patent prosecution.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 700 Part 1

Tuesday: MPEP Chapter 700 Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Study response timing requirements (MPEP 710): statutory period for response (typically 3 months from office action mail date), maximum extensions (typically 3 additional months), extension fees, and consequences of failure to respond timely. Learn about periods shortened to less than statutory period.

Key Learning Objectives: Master timing rules for responses—critical for exam questions. Know how to calculate response deadlines, maximum extension periods, and when extensions require petitions vs. automatic grants. Understand that timing questions are frequent and straightforward if you know the rules.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 700 Part 2 – Response Timing

Wednesday: MPEP Chapter 700 Part 3 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Study response requirements (MPEP 714): what makes a response complete, proper amendment format, requirement to address all rejections, and consequences of incomplete or improper responses. Learn about reply brief requirements and proper response structure.

Key Learning Objectives: Know what makes responses complete vs. incomplete. Understand that responses must address every rejection or be fully responsive to requirements. Master formal requirements for proper responses.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 700 Part 3 – Response Requirements

Thursday: MPEP Chapter 700 Part 4 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Study amendment procedures (MPEP 714.01-714.03): proper amendment format, claim amendments vs. specification amendments, amendment by replacement vs. by deletion, and new matter prohibitions. Learn how to properly amend claims and specifications without introducing new matter.

Key Learning Objectives: Master amendment procedures and format. Know the detailed rules for properly amending applications. Understand new matter prohibition and how it’s evaluated. Recognize that amendment questions appear frequently.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 700 Part 4 – Amendments

Friday: MPEP Chapter 700 Part 5 + Quizzes (2 hours)

Session Focus: Complete Chapter 700 covering after-final practice (MPEP 714.12-714.13), interviews (MPEP 713), and allowance procedures (MPEP 1300-1303). Learn about RCEs, continued prosecution applications, and options after final rejection. Complete all Chapter 700 quizzes.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand after-final options—heavily tested material. Know when RCEs are appropriate, when continuation applications are needed, and what amendments can be entered after final. Master the complete prosecution cycle from filing through allowance.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 700 Part 5 + All Quizzes

Saturday: MPEP Chapter 700 Review + Quiz Mistakes (3 hours)

Session Focus: Comprehensive Chapter 700 review covering all examination procedures. Review all quiz mistakes thoroughly—Chapter 700 mistakes often indicate procedural understanding gaps. Create summary sheets for response timing, amendment rules, and after-final options. Practice quick navigation to frequently tested Chapter 700 sections.

Key Learning Objectives: Solidify Chapter 700 mastery. This chapter accounts for 15-20% of exam questions, making it critical. Ensure you can handle any examination procedure question. Build confidence that you understand patent prosecution procedures thoroughly.

Wysebridge Module: Chapter 700 Comprehensive Review

Sunday: Review Chapters 600 & 700 Together (2 hours)

Session Focus: Integrated review showing how Chapters 600 and 700 connect: how application content (Ch. 600) affects examination (Ch. 700), how deficiencies in applications are handled during prosecution, and how amendments must comply with Chapter 600 requirements. Work through integrated practice questions.

Key Learning Objectives: Synthesize Chapters 600 and 700 into unified understanding of the application and examination process. See how these chapters support each other. Prepare for questions that test both chapters together.

Wysebridge Module: Chapters 600 & 700 Integration Review

Week 8 Total: 15 hours | Complete Chapter 700 mastery + integration with Chapter 600

Week 9: Chapters 1200 & 1800

Week 9 covers two shorter but important Priority One chapters: appeals and PCT procedures.

Week 9 Schedule (15 hours total)

Monday: MPEP Chapter 1200 Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin Chapter 1200 (Appeal) with appeal basics: when appeals are appropriate, overview of the appeal process before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), and jurisdiction. Learn the difference between appealing examiner decisions vs. petitioning other USPTO decisions.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand when appeals are the appropriate remedy vs. other options. Know PTAB’s role and jurisdiction. Grasp that appeal questions typically test procedural requirements rather than substantive arguments.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 1200 Part 1

Tuesday: MPEP Chapter 1200 Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Study appeal filing requirements: notice of appeal requirements, what must be included, timing for filing notice of appeal (typically within shortened statutory period or maximum extension period), fees, and what happens after notice is filed. Learn about examiner’s pre-appeal brief conference.

Key Learning Objectives: Master requirements for proper notice of appeal. Know timing requirements and what makes notices sufficient. Understand pre-appeal brief conference option and when it’s beneficial.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 1200 Part 2

Wednesday: MPEP Chapter 1200 Part 3 + Quizzes + Review (2 hours)

Session Focus: Complete Chapter 1200 with appeal brief requirements, examiner’s answer, reply brief provisions, and PTAB decision procedures. Learn what must be in appeal briefs, timing requirements, and how the appeal process proceeds through decision. Complete all Chapter 1200 quizzes and review mistakes.

Key Learning Objectives: Complete Chapter 1200 mastery. Know requirements for all appeal documents and timing for each step. Understand that appeal questions are usually straightforward procedural questions if you know the requirements.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 1200 Part 3 + Quizzes + Review

Thursday: MPEP Chapter 1800 Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin Chapter 1800 (Patent Cooperation Treaty) with PCT fundamentals: what the PCT is, why applicants use it, designated states concept, and international phase vs. national phase. Learn the benefits and requirements of PCT filing.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand PCT’s purpose and structure. Know that PCT provides a unified international filing mechanism. Grasp the two-phase structure: international phase (search and preliminary examination) and national phase (national/regional patent offices).

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 1800 Part 1

Friday: MPEP Chapter 1800 Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Continue Chapter 1800 studying international filing date requirements, international search and preliminary examination, and PCT publication. Learn what must be filed to secure international filing date and how PCT search reports work.

Key Learning Objectives: Know requirements for receiving international filing date. Understand international search process and how preliminary examination differs. Master PCT timeline from international filing through publication.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 1800 Part 2

Saturday: MPEP Chapter 1800 Part 3 + Quizzes (3 hours)

Session Focus: Complete Chapter 1800 with national stage entry requirements: timing for entering national stage (typically 30 months from earliest priority date), what must be filed, fees, and consequences of late or improper entry. Learn how PCT applications interact with U.S. prosecution. Complete all Chapter 1800 quizzes.

Key Learning Objectives: Master national stage entry requirements—heavily tested within Chapter 1800. Know the 30-month deadline and what triggers it. Understand how PCT applications establish priority and what rights they convey.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 1800 Part 3 + All Quizzes

Sunday: MPEP Chapter 1800 Review + Quiz Mistakes (2 hours)

Session Focus: Comprehensive Chapter 1800 review focusing on timing calculations (PCT questions frequently test deadlines) and requirement questions. Review all quiz mistakes. Create summary sheet of PCT timeline from international filing through national stage entry.

Key Learning Objectives: Solidify Chapter 1800 knowledge. Ensure you can calculate PCT deadlines correctly. Feel confident about PCT questions, which typically focus on timing and procedural requirements.

Wysebridge Module: Chapter 1800 Comprehensive Review

Week 9 Total: 15 hours | Chapters 1200 and 1800 complete

Week 10: Chapter 2100

Week 10 dedicates an entire week to Chapter 2100 (Patentability)—the longest, most complex, and most heavily tested chapter. The full week allows thorough understanding of this critical material.

Week 10 Schedule (15 hours total)

Monday: MPEP Chapter 2100 Part 1 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin Chapter 2100 with subject matter eligibility (35 USC 101, MPEP 2106). Study the statutory categories (process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter) and judicial exceptions (abstract ideas, laws of nature, natural phenomena). Learn the Alice/Mayo two-step test for evaluating eligibility.

Key Learning Objectives: Master subject matter eligibility analysis. Understand that this complex topic appears in 8-12% of exam questions. Know how to apply the two-step framework: identify judicial exception, evaluate whether claim recites significantly more than the exception.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 2100 Part 1 – Section 101

Tuesday: MPEP Chapter 2100 Part 2 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Study anticipation (35 USC 102, MPEP 2131-2138). Learn what constitutes anticipation: single prior art reference disclosing all claim elements, enabling disclosure requirement, inherency, and genus-species issues. Connect to your AIA knowledge about what constitutes prior art.

Key Learning Objectives: Master anticipation analysis. Know that every claim element must be disclosed in a single reference for anticipation. Understand enabling disclosure requirements and when inherent characteristics count as disclosed.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 2100 Part 2 – Section 102/Anticipation

Wednesday: MPEP Chapter 2100 Part 3 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Begin obviousness study (35 USC 103, MPEP 2141-2145) with Graham factors: scope and content of prior art, differences between prior art and claimed invention, level of ordinary skill in the art, and secondary considerations. Learn prima facie obviousness requirements.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand the framework for obviousness analysis. Know the Graham factors and how they’re applied. Grasp that obviousness is one of the most frequently tested and complex topics on the exam.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 2100 Part 3 – Section 103 Part 1

Thursday: MPEP Chapter 2100 Part 4 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Continue obviousness studying combining references, motivation to combine, teaching away, unexpected results, and secondary considerations (commercial success, long-felt need, etc.). Learn what makes combinations obvious vs. non-obvious and how to rebut prima facie obviousness.

Key Learning Objectives: Master the art of combining references for obviousness. Know what constitutes proper motivation to combine and what considerations overcome prima facie obviousness. Understand teaching away and when it prevents combinations.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 2100 Part 4 – Section 103 Part 2

Friday: MPEP Chapter 2100 Part 5 + Quizzes (2 hours)

Session Focus: Complete Chapter 2100 with 35 USC 112 requirements: enablement (MPEP 2164), written description (MPEP 2163), and definiteness (MPEP 2173). Study the Wands factors for enablement, written description possession requirement, and what makes claims indefinite. Complete all Chapter 2100 quizzes.

Key Learning Objectives: Master 112 requirements thoroughly. Know enablement analysis (Wands factors), written description possession standard, and definiteness requirements. Understand how these requirements interact with claim scope.

Wysebridge Module: MPEP Chapter 2100 Part 5 – Section 112 + All Quizzes

Saturday: MPEP Chapter 2100 Comprehensive Review (3 hours)

Session Focus: Extensive Chapter 2100 review covering all patentability requirements: 101, 102, 103, and 112. Review all quiz mistakes thoroughly—Chapter 2100 mistakes often reveal substantive understanding gaps. Create summary sheets for each requirement. Practice recognizing which requirement a question is testing based on fact patterns.

Key Learning Objectives: Solidify Chapter 2100 mastery. This chapter accounts for 20-25% of the exam, making it the single most important chapter. Ensure you understand all patentability requirements thoroughly and can apply them to various scenarios.

Wysebridge Module: Chapter 2100 Comprehensive Review

Sunday: Review All Priority One Chapters + Quiz Mistakes (2 hours)

Session Focus: Comprehensive review of all five Priority One chapters (600, 700, 1200, 1800, 2100). Review persistent quiz mistakes from any Priority One chapter. Ensure you can navigate quickly to any Priority One topic. Feel confident that you’ve mastered the material accounting for 50-60% of the exam.

Key Learning Objectives: Complete Priority One mastery. Identify any remaining gaps and address them now. Build confidence that you’re prepared for the majority of exam questions.

Wysebridge Module: Priority One Comprehensive Final Review

Week 10 Total: 15 hours | Complete Chapter 2100 mastery + Priority One comprehensive review

Week 11: Priority Two Chapters

Week 11 efficiently covers all Priority Two chapters. With solid Priority One foundation, you can move through this material more quickly while still achieving adequate understanding.

Week 11 Schedule (15 hours total)

Monday: MPEP Chapters 200 + 400 + Quizzes (2 hours)

Session Focus: Study Chapter 200 (continuation, divisional, CIP, and provisional applications) and Chapter 400 (representative authority). Focus particularly on continuation practice: differences between continuation types, copendency requirements, and when each is appropriate. Complete quizzes for both chapters.

Key Learning Objectives: Master continuation practice—heavily tested within Priority Two. Know representative authority basics. Understand these chapters account for another 10-12% of exam questions combined.

Wysebridge Modules: Chapters 200 + 400 with Quizzes

Tuesday: MPEP Chapters 500 + 1400 + Quizzes (2 hours)

Session Focus: Study Chapter 500 (filing procedures and certificate of mailing) and Chapter 1400 (reissue). Focus on certificate of mailing rules and reissue basics: broadening vs. narrowing, two-year limit for broadening, and error requirements. Complete quizzes for both chapters.

Key Learning Objectives: Know filing procedures and certificate of mailing—these appear regularly. Understand basic reissue requirements and when reissue is appropriate vs. other remedies.

Wysebridge Modules: Chapters 500 + 1400 with Quizzes

Wednesday: MPEP Chapter 2200 + Quiz (2 hours)

Session Focus: Study Chapter 2200 (ex parte reexamination). Focus on when reexamination is available, who can request it, substantial new question of patentability requirement, and basic procedural differences from initial examination. Complete all Chapter 2200 quizzes.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand ex parte reexamination procedures and requirements. Know what grounds can be raised (prior art-based challenges only) and who can file. Distinguish from initial examination procedures.

Wysebridge Module: Chapter 2200 with Quiz

Thursday: MPEP Chapters 2300 + 2500 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Study Chapter 2300 (interference proceedings) and Chapter 2500 (maintenance fees). Interferences are rare under AIA but still tested occasionally. Maintenance fees are straightforward: timing (3.5, 7.5, 11.5 years) and surcharge provisions. Complete quizzes.

Key Learning Objectives: Know basic interference concepts for the occasional question. Master maintenance fee timing—these are easy points if you know the straightforward rules.

Wysebridge Modules: Chapters 2300 + 2500 with Quizzes

Friday: MPEP Chapters 2800 + 2900 (2 hours)

Session Focus: Study Chapter 2800 (supplemental examination) and Chapter 2900 (international design applications). Supplemental examination allows patent owners to request consideration of information bearing on validity. Chapter 2900 covers Hague Agreement design applications. Complete quizzes.

Key Learning Objectives: Understand supplemental examination’s purpose and basic procedures. Have working knowledge of international design application procedures for the occasional question.

Wysebridge Modules: Chapters 2800 + 2900 with Quizzes

Saturday: Priority Three Chapters + AIA Advanced Topics (3 hours)

Session Focus: Cover Priority Three chapters (less frequently tested material) with particular focus on weak areas from earlier weeks or topics that appeared on practice questions. Study advanced AIA topics: administrative patent trials (IPR, PGR, CBM review), AIA ethics considerations, and post-grant proceeding comparisons.

Key Learning Objectives: Fill any remaining content gaps. Have at least basic familiarity with all testable topics. Understand landscape of AIA post-grant proceedings and when each is available.

Wysebridge Module: Priority Three Topics + AIA Advanced Modules

Sunday: Review All Priority Two Material (2 hours)

Session Focus: Comprehensive Priority Two review covering all chapters studied this week. Review all quiz mistakes. Ensure you understand continuation practice thoroughly since it’s most heavily tested within Priority Two. Create summary notes for quick reference.

Key Learning Objectives: Solidify Priority Two knowledge. Feel confident you’ve covered all regularly tested material. Recognize that Priority One + Priority Two + AIA account for approximately 85-90% of exam questions.

Wysebridge Module: Priority Two Comprehensive Review

Week 11 Total: 15 hours | All Priority Two chapters complete + Priority Three covered

Week 12: Practice & Final Preparation

Week 12 focuses on assessment through practice exams, final review, and mental preparation. With 11 weeks of solid study complete, this week builds confidence and addresses any remaining gaps.

Week 12 Schedule (15 hours total)

Monday: Exam Simulation Part 1 (50q) Timed (2 hours)

Session Focus: Take the first half of a full-length exam simulation (50 questions) under strict timed conditions. Use all the strategies you’ve learned: two-pass approach, question triage, efficient MPEP navigation. Simulate real exam conditions as closely as possible.

Key Learning Objectives: Assess current readiness after 11 weeks of preparation. Practice exam mechanics under pressure. Get your first comprehensive score indicating likely exam performance.

Wysebridge Module: Exam Simulation Part 1 (Questions 1-50)

Tuesday: Review Simulation Part 1 Mistakes Thoroughly (2 hours)

Session Focus: Comprehensive review of all 50 questions, focusing particularly on incorrect answers. Categorize each error: knowledge gap, navigation failure, misapplication, or careless mistake. Identify your 2-3 weakest topics from this simulation for targeted review.

Key Learning Objectives: Extract maximum learning from practice exam. Identify specific areas requiring final week attention. Understand your error patterns and what they reveal about remaining preparation needs.

Wysebridge Module: Simulation Part 1 Comprehensive Review

Wednesday: Exam Simulation Part 2 (50q) Timed (2 hours)

Session Focus: Complete the second half of the simulation (50 questions) under timed conditions. This completes your first full 100-question exam experience. Compare your performance to Part 1—did you maintain consistency or experience fatigue effects?

Key Learning Objectives: Complete first full-length exam simulation. Assess stamina and time management across full exam. Calculate overall score on 100 questions to gauge readiness.

Wysebridge Module: Exam Simulation Part 2 (Questions 51-100)

Thursday: Review Simulation Part 2 Mistakes Thoroughly (2 hours)

Session Focus: Thorough review of all 50 questions from Part 2. Update your comprehensive error log with all 100 questions. Identify patterns: are errors clustered in specific topics or spread randomly? Compare Part 1 vs. Part 2 performance.

Key Learning Objectives: Complete diagnostic assessment. Know your current score (70%+ is passing range, 65-69% needs targeted review, below 65% needs intensive weak area work). Have clear priorities for remaining study time.

Wysebridge Module: Simulation Part 2 Comprehensive Review

Friday: 50q Priority One Focus Exam + Review (2 hours)

Session Focus: Take a 50-question focused exam covering only Priority One topics (Chapters 600, 700, 1200, 1800, 2100). Time yourself (approximately 1.5 hours), then review (30 minutes). This concentrated assessment shows Priority One mastery.

Key Learning Objectives: Ensure strong Performance on the most heavily tested material. Identify any lingering Priority One gaps for final review this weekend.

Wysebridge Module: Priority One Focus Exam + Review

Saturday: FITF Quiz 1 + AIA 15q Quiz + Final AIA Review (3 hours)

Session Focus: Complete FITF Quiz 1 (if not previously taken) and the comprehensive 15-question AIA quiz. These assess AIA mastery after several weeks since intensive AIA study. Then final comprehensive AIA review: create final summary charts, review high-frequency AIA question patterns, and ensure complete confidence with AIA material.

Key Learning Objectives: Final AIA assessment and reinforcement. AIA accounts for 20-25% of the exam—ensure strong performance here. Address any AIA confusion discovered during practice exams.

Wysebridge Module: FITF Quiz 1 + AIA 15q Quiz + AIA Final Review

Sunday: Exam Day Resources + Light Review + Mental Prep + Rest (2 hours)

Session Focus: Complete Exam Day Resources module covering what to bring, what to expect, how to handle anxiety, and logistics. Do very light review of your highest-yield summary sheets (AIA, Chapters 700 and 2100). Focus on mental preparation: visualize success, review your time management strategy, and build confidence. Stop studying by early afternoon. Rest and get adequate sleep tonight.

Key Learning Objectives: Mental readiness and logistics confirmation. Trust your 12 weeks of thorough preparation. Feel confident that you’ve covered all testable material comprehensively and practiced extensively. You’re ready.

Wysebridge Module: Exam Day Resources + Final Mental Preparation

Monday: EXAM DAY

The Big Day: Arrive early at the test center with required identification. Check in calmly—you’ve prepared thoroughly. Use your two-pass strategy, flag difficult questions, check your pace every 25 questions, and take a brief break around the halfway point. Trust your 12 weeks of systematic preparation. Execute the strategies you’ve practiced, and success will follow. Most candidates feel uncertain after exams—this is completely normal. Results typically arrive within 2-3 weeks, and your thorough preparation will be reflected in those results.

Week 12 Total: 15 hours | Complete assessment, final review, and exam readiness achieved

12-Week Plan Total Summary

Total Study Hours: 180 hours (15 hours per week | approximately 2 hours per day including weekends)

Course Coverage: Complete Wysebridge program including all course introduction modules, comprehensive MPEP navigation training, thorough patent law fundamentals, complete AIA mastery (three weeks), all Priority One chapters with extended time for each, all Priority Two chapters, Priority Three weak area coverage, and advanced AIA topics

Practice Exams: 1 full-length simulation (100 questions in two parts) + 1 focused exam (50 questions on Priority One) + comprehensive quizzes throughout all 11 content weeks

Quizzes Completed: All chapter-embedded quizzes, FITF quizzes, AIA comprehensive quizzes, and topic-specific assessments throughout

Priority Coverage: 100% of Priority One topics (with extended study time), 100% of Priority Two topics, working knowledge of Priority Three topics

Timeline Advantage: Extended 12-week timeline allows concepts to settle between study sessions, accommodates busy schedules, reduces daily time commitment, and prevents burnout through comfortable pacing

Keys to Success with the 12-Week Plan

Trust the Gradual Learning Process

The 12-week plan’s greatest advantage is time for concepts to settle. Don’t rush ahead thinking faster is better. The extended timeline allows your brain to consolidate learning between sessions. AIA studied over three weeks (Weeks 4-6) is retained better than AIA crammed in one week, even if total study hours are similar. Trust that gradual exposure builds deeper, more durable understanding.

Maintain Consistent Daily Study

The 2-hour daily requirement is highly manageable, but consistency matters more than occasional heroic sessions. Studying 2 hours daily seven days per week beats studying 7 hours on Saturday and skipping weekdays. Your brain benefits from regular exposure more than concentrated bursts. Build study into your daily routine like exercise or meals—a non-negotiable commitment.

Use the Extended Timeline for Deep Understanding

With more time available, don’t just cover material—truly understand it. When studying Chapter 2100 (Patentability), don’t just memorize that obviousness requires prima facie case plus motivation to combine. Understand why this framework exists, how it protects non-obvious inventions, and how examiners and applicants apply it in practice. Deep understanding helps you answer novel question variations, not just questions testing rules directly.

Take Advantage of Reduced Pressure

Unlike 4-week candidates racing against time, you have breathing room. If a topic doesn’t click immediately, you have time to review it again next week. If you need to miss a day due to work or personal commitments, you can recover without derailing your entire schedule. This reduced pressure improves learning quality and reduces stress.

Build Long-Term Retention

The exam is just one goal. As a patent practitioner, you’ll use this knowledge throughout your career. The 12-week plan’s gradual approach builds retention that extends beyond exam day. Concepts studied in Week 4 (AIA) are reinforced in Weeks 7, 11, and 12 through practice questions and integrated review. This spaced repetition creates long-term retention valuable for practice, not just exam passing.

Common Mistakes with Extended Study Plans

Procrastinating Due to Perceived “Plenty of Time”

Twelve weeks seems long, creating temptation to start slowly or skip early weeks. Resist this. Weeks 1-3 establish critical foundations. Skipping ahead to “interesting” content (AIA, Chapter 2100) without proper foundation causes problems later. Follow the schedule systematically from Week 1 forward.

Allowing the Schedule to Drift

With a comfortable timeline, it’s easy to let study drift: missing a day here, cutting sessions short there, thinking “I’ll catch up later.” These small deviations compound. Stay disciplined with your 2-hour daily commitment. If you miss a day, acknowledge it and resume the next day rather than abandoning the schedule entirely.

Not Reviewing Previous Material

The extended timeline creates risk of forgetting early material. Week 12 is 8-9 weeks after Week 4’s AIA study. Without periodic review, AIA knowledge fades. The schedule includes review sessions (Week 7 AIA review, Week 10 Priority One review, etc.), but add your own brief reviews of earlier material when topics feel fuzzy. Spend 15 minutes reviewing Week 4 AIA notes when Week 12 approaches.

Underestimating the Need for Practice Questions

Some candidates think the extended timeline means they can focus on reading and understanding without intensive practice question work. Wrong. Practice questions are critical regardless of timeline. The 12-week plan includes practice throughout—ensure you complete all embedded quizzes and practice sessions. Don’t trade practice time for additional reading time.

Not Adjusting if You’re Progressing Faster

Some candidates find 2 hours daily insufficient—they want to study more. If you’re genuinely mastering material faster than the schedule suggests, you can either: (a) move ahead in the schedule, potentially finishing content weeks early and using remaining time for intensive practice, or (b) use extra time for deeper understanding and additional practice on each topic. Either works; just ensure you’re actually mastering material, not just covering it superficially.

Adapting the Plan to Your Situation

For Complete Patent Law Beginners

If you’ve never studied patent law before, the 12-week plan is ideal. The extended foundation weeks (1-3) and gradual AIA introduction (4-6) allow you to build understanding without being overwhelmed. Don’t rush through foundational material thinking it’s too basic—it establishes mental frameworks everything else builds on. Take full advantage of the comfortable pacing.

For Candidates with Demanding Jobs

The 2-hour daily requirement fits most work schedules. Study 1 hour before work and 1 hour after, or compress weekend study to free weeknights. If you have occasional 60-70 hour work weeks, the 12-week plan accommodates them better than shorter timelines. Missing a few study days doesn’t derail preparation when you have three months total.

For Career Changers or Returning Students

If you’ve been away from intensive studying for years, the 12-week plan allows you to rebuild study skills gradually. Early weeks aren’t just about content—they’re about relearning how to study effectively, take notes, and retain information. By Week 6-7, you’ve regained study momentum and can tackle complex material effectively.

For Parent or Caregivers

Two hours daily is achievable even with family obligations. Study during naptime, after kids are in bed, during early morning before family wakes, or split into four 30-minute sessions throughout the day. The extended timeline means missing a day due to family needs doesn’t create crisis. Build flexibility into your schedule while maintaining overall consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 12 weeks too long? Will I forget early material?

Twelve weeks is not too long if you include periodic review. The schedule incorporates review sessions throughout (Week 7 AIA review, Week 10 Priority One review, etc.). Additionally, practice questions in later weeks naturally review earlier material. The risk of forgetting is lower than the benefit of deeper initial understanding that 12 weeks allows.

Can I complete the plan faster if I study more than 2 hours per day?

Yes. If you can consistently study 3-4 hours daily, you could complete the 12-week plan in 6-8 weeks. However, ensure you’re not sacrificing understanding for speed. The extended timeline’s value isn’t just total hours—it’s time for concepts to settle between sessions. Doubling daily hours doesn’t double learning effectiveness.

What if my exam date is more than 12 weeks away?

If you have 16-20 weeks before your exam, you could either: (a) follow the 12-week plan starting 12 weeks before the exam, or (b) stretch the 12-week plan by adding extra review weeks or moving more slowly through content weeks. Don’t start too early—retention declines if you finish preparation months before the exam. Start 12-14 weeks before exam day.

Should I take any days completely off?

The 12-week plan includes study seven days per week but only 2 hours daily. This is sustainable for most people. However, if you need one day per week completely off, you could compress the 15 weekly hours into six days (2.5 hours per day). This maintains weekly totals while providing weekly rest. Sunday is the easiest day to take off, as it’s often review-focused.

How do I stay motivated across three months?

Track progress visibly—check off completed weeks, note quiz scores improving, and celebrate milestones (completing AIA study, finishing Priority One, etc.). Connect with other candidates for mutual support (online forums, study groups). Remember your goal: patent bar passage opens career opportunities worth far more than three months of focused effort. Break the timeline into four 3-week blocks—each block feels manageable.

What if I score poorly on Week 12 practice exams?

If Week 12 practice exams reveal significant gaps (scoring below 60%), consider postponing your exam by 2-3 weeks for intensive review. Use the extra time to identify and address specific weak topics. However, if you score 65%+, targeted review during Week 12 often brings scores into passing range. Don’t panic based on one practice exam—look at overall trends.

Can I use this schedule while working full-time?

Absolutely—that’s the plan’s primary design purpose. Two hours daily accommodates full-time work schedules. Many successful candidates work 40-50 hour weeks while following the 12-week plan. The key is consistency: study the same time daily (before work, during lunch, after work) to build it into your routine.

Should I create elaborate study notes?

Brief summary notes for personal reference are helpful (one-page topic summaries, comparison charts), but don’t spend hours creating comprehensive notes that duplicate Wysebridge materials. The platform provides everything you need. Focus time on understanding material and practicing questions rather than note-taking. Notes should support learning, not replace it.

What if I need to pause the plan mid-way?

Life circumstances sometimes require study pauses. If you need to stop for 1-2 weeks (work crisis, family emergency, illness), you can resume where you left off. The Wysebridge platform saves your progress. If you pause for more than 2-3 weeks, do brief review of recent material before resuming to refresh your memory. Ideally, minimize pauses—momentum matters.

How does the 12-week plan compare to taking a live course?

The 12-week plan with Wysebridge provides structured, self-paced learning with comprehensive materials and practice exams. Live courses offer instructor interaction and fixed schedules but are often more expensive and less flexible. The 12-week self-paced approach works well for disciplined, independent learners. If you need external structure and accountability, live courses might suit you better despite higher cost.

Your Path to Confident Exam Success

The 12-week thorough patent bar study plan offers the most comfortable, sustainable path to exam readiness. By dedicating just 2 hours daily over three months, you’ll build deep understanding of patent prosecution that extends beyond exam passing into your professional career. The extended timeline reduces pressure, accommodates busy schedules, and allows concepts to settle naturally through gradual exposure.

Twelve weeks from now, you’ll walk into the exam thoroughly prepared. You’ll have studied every testable topic comprehensively, practiced extensively with embedded quizzes and simulated exams, and built efficient MPEP navigation skills. The systematic progression from foundations (Weeks 1-3) through AIA mastery (Weeks 4-6) to Priority One topics (Weeks 7-10) and final comprehensive coverage (Weeks 11-12) ensures nothing is left to chance.

Trust the timeline. Commit to consistent daily study. Follow the schedule systematically without skipping ahead or falling behind. Take advantage of the reduced pressure to truly understand material rather than just covering it. By exam day, your thorough preparation will translate into confident performance and successful results.

Related Study Resources

• Complete Patent Bar Study Plan Guide – Compare all timeline options
• 4-Week Patent Bar Study Plan – Intensive timeline for accelerated preparation
• 8-Week Patent Bar Study Plan – Balanced timeline recommended for most candidates
• Most Tested Patent Bar Topics – Understand which topics receive extended coverage
• How to Study for the Patent Bar Without Memorizing Everything – Strategic learning approach
• Patent Bar Practice Exams: How Many You Need – Maximize learning from Week 12 practice