The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has added Biomedical Science to the Category A degree list used to evaluate scientific and technical training for the patent-registration examination.
The change took effect Aug. 11 and applies to the exact Biomedical Science degree title at the bachelor's, master's or doctoral level under the current General Requirements Bulletin.
Category A lets an applicant establish the technical-training component through a listed degree. It does not automatically admit someone to practice before the USPTO or waive the registration examination and other requirements.
USPTO moved Biomedical Science from Category B after its three-year review of degree titles. The agency says it added 14 degrees to Category A in 2021 and moved one additional degree in this cycle.
The Category A list is not the only route. The bulletin also describes Category B coursework, Category C practical-engineering evidence and a Category D route for other qualifying technical education or experience.
Applicants whose diploma wording differs from a listed title may need transcripts or an equivalency review. The notice says the Category A list is non-exhaustive, but the bulletin's documentary requirements still control each application.
Patent practitioners prepare and prosecute patent applications and represent inventors before the USPTO. The technical-training requirement is separate from state-bar membership, which distinguishes patent attorneys from registered patent agents.
The agency characterizes the update as administrative guidance and says it does not have the force and effect of law. The current bulletin remains the operative source for forms, fees and evidentiary details.
For students and graduates, the practical consequence is narrower paperwork for some applicants with the newly listed degree. It is not a guarantee of examination eligibility, admission or professional licensure.