Topic: The intersection of patent and administrative law, focusing on empirical evidence or data-backed observations

Prizes:
1st Place - $1,500 and opportunity to publish and/or present at PALC 2020.

Description: Students are encouraged to focus on topical issues related to patent and administrative laws, such as the use of memoranda and guidance from the USPTO in shaping the law of 35 U.S.C. 101; the deference afforded to new PTAB rulemaking; burden-shifting under Aqua Products; Article III standing from PTAB appeals; the substantive rulemaking authority of the USPTO (or lack thereof); the issues presented in the Return Mail Inc. v. U.S. Postal Service case now before the Supreme Court; and the implementation of the SAS Institute Inc. v. Iancu decision before the Board.

Eligibility: Current law students (JD or LLM) or 2019 graduates from ABA-accredited law schools.

Submission Rules: Contestants enter by completing the Essay Submission Form. By participating, contestants agree to comply with all Contest Rules. Submissions should be between 2,500 and 5,000 words in length, well-sourced, and use footnotes and Bluebook format. The deadline for entry is March 15, 2020. Papers received after the deadline may be considered at Unified's discretion.