Become a Member
The Membership Committee is responsible for maintaining the list of active members. The committee also participates in recruiting activities and preparing advertising. Some recent and ongoing projects include awarding long-time members the PTOS Award for Sustained Membership, giving presentations at New Employee Orientations, and supporting other committees in their activities.
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Currently, the Patent and Trademark Office Society has three types of membership, described below:
Active Membership
Active Membership in the Patent and Trademark Office Society (PTOS) is open to any employee of the US Patent and Trademark Office who is engaged in the examination of applications for patents or trademarks, or who is engaged in professional work ancillary thereto and holds a position that is rated at GS-7 or above.
Associate Membership
Associate Membership is open to former employees of the Patent and Trademark Office who were previously members of PTOS, or to anyone who is a professional participating in the intellectual property system.
Associate Membership is also open to anyone who is a matriculated student at a school of Law and indicates the intention to participate in the intellectual property system. A discounted membership rate is available for matriculated students who are eligible for an Associate Membership.
Honorary Membership
Honorary Memberships are offered to distinguished individuals.
Nominations or recommendations for such memberships may be submitted to the PTOS Board of Directors to be approved by vote of the Board.
Membership FAQs
Why should I join PTOS?
Membership in PTOS has many benefits. You’ll have an instant network of patent and trademark professionals at all stages of their careers. Membership also allows you to attend our various in person and online events including happy hours, book club, continuing legal education talks, wine education events, and many others. You’ll also have access to discounted movie ticket sales and other deals from time to time.
But I don’t live near a USPTO office, or I telework full time.
What’s in it for me?
Many of our events are online. The Hoteller Outreach Committee also works to host or facilitate happy hours and other in person events in areas across the country. Our discounted movie tickets are available to all active members and can be shipped to you at no added cost.
What is the cost to join PTOS?
For USPTO federal employees, dues are $2 a pay period, or $52 per year. USPTO federal employees are eligible to have dues automatically deducted from your biweekly paycheck. USPTO contractors are unable to sign up for payroll deduction and therefore must sign up as an Associate Member through JPTOS, which costs $65 per year. Students and retired USPTO employees are eligible for Associate Membership at a rate of $56 per year.
How do I join?
If you are a USPTO federal employee, fill out the Payroll Deduction form and email the completed form to membership@ptos.org. If you are not a USPTO federal employee, see https://www.jptos.org/membership-2/associate-membership-2.html for more information and to sign up for an Associate membership.