PPC Professional Standards & Competencies 2

Question 1

A patent paralegal discovers that a supervising attorney has billed a client for work the paralegal actually performed. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Raise the concern privately with the supervising attorney

Answer

The appropriate first step is to raise billing concerns privately with the supervising attorney before escalating to external authorities.

Question 2

Under NALA's Model Standards, which activity is considered unauthorized practice of law (UPL) for a patent paralegal?

Accepted Answer

Advising a client on patentability of an invention independently

Answer

Independently advising clients on legal matters such as patentability constitutes UPL when done without attorney supervision.

Question 3

Which professional organization specifically offers the PPC (Patent Paralegal Certification) credential?

Accepted Answer

NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants)

Answer

NALA administers the PPC credential as a specialty certification for paralegals working in patent law.

Question 4

A patent paralegal receives a gift from a vendor who provides patent search services. What should the paralegal do?

Accepted Answer

Disclose the gift to the supervising attorney and follow firm policy

Answer

Gifts from vendors should be disclosed to the supervising attorney and handled per firm policy to avoid conflicts of interest.

Question 5

When a patent paralegal is assigned to a new matter involving a company they previously worked for, the correct response is to:

Accepted Answer

Immediately disclose the potential conflict to the supervising attorney

Answer

Potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed immediately to the supervising attorney so appropriate screening can be arranged.

(PPC) Patent Paralegal Certification Practice Test

(PPC) Patent Paralegal Certification Practice Test

PPC Professional Standards & Competencies 2