through a hoteling program implemented in 2006 by the USPTO. Notable patent examiners See also Law clerk Patent engineer Patent Office Professional Association, the United States patent examiners trade union Trademark examiner United States Patent Classification References and notes External links John W. Schoen, "U.S. patent office swamped by backlog; Without more funding, wait time could top 5 years". MSNBC, April 27, 2004. (ed., comments on problems and that 2900 new examiners are being sought by the USPTO.) Report to Congressional Committees 2005 "USPTO Has Made Progress in Hiring Examiners, but Challenges to Retention Remain" " " Legal professions