Anyone considering a career as a patent attorney?

[TheKracken]

I am not sure if this has been discussed, but could a math major get into IP law? Or would I need graduate school as well?

 

[jaffarjaved]

Thanks for the threads. I am a Chemical Engineer with 4 years experience in Technical Sales and Industrial Services. I want to enter in this field (Patent agents, IP) but don't know where to start from. Why the employers hire me as i have don't have an experience of this field. How to start in this field?

 

[modelman]

My Career Path

Although this thread has been quiet for a while, I just came across this thread and would like to share some of my career experiences and thoughts.

I am now retired (for the time being at least), after working as a scientist is the field of semiconductor technology for over 30 years. Because I've had a passion for science, technology and math since my childhood, it was natural for me to follow that path and attain a Ph.D. in electrical engineering.

A word of advice to those starting on a career path is to ask yourself the following questions: What is your passion? What do really enjoy doing? Is your goal to have fun in a fulfilling career, or to make tons of money, regardless of what you have to do?

I chose to have fun at work, not paying much attention to climbing the corporate ladder on the managerial side, but to decouple myself from playing the internal political game and staying on a technical path. As time went by I continued to hone my technical skills, finally becoming a very prolific and widely recognized inventor in my field. Essentially I was getting paid to have fun. What could be better than that?

After retiring from the corporate scene, I considered becoming a patent agent, because I had extensive experience with the entire patenting process, from drafting invention disclosures to preparing compelete patent applications, and addressing office actions from the USPTO. However I chose not to become a patent agent because I felt being prohibited from expressing my creativity (being involved solely with the task of obtaining a patent for my client, and not contributing to the inventive claims) would frustrate me.

Having shelved the idea of being a patent agent, I chose to serve as a technical expert and expert witness in IP litigation. I found this work to be intense, exciting and very lucrative. My background as an inventor was instrumental in getting my foot in the door, for one's stature and reputation in their technical field is so important to be effective as an expert witness. Of course there are things that one has to accept as an expert witness, such as putting up with the theatrics that go on in the courtroom, and being available nearly 24/7 to support your client attorneys. But, I am pleased with how my career evolved just by following my passion.

 

[Bored Attorney]

Fastest way to becomed a patent agent/attorney

I am a non-patent IP attorney. I love physics and would like a new challenge. Licensing bores me. What would be the most efficient way for me to secure a scientific/technical degree so I can sit for the patent bar and become a patent attorney? Is this crazy?

 

[fizziks]

I am a non-patent IP attorney. I love physics and would like a new challenge. Licensing bores me. What would be the most efficient way for me to secure a scientific/technical degree so I can sit for the patent bar and become a patent attorney? Is this crazy?

Are you saying you are a non-IP attorney (i.e. attorney practicing some other area of law)? What degree do you have from undergrad? I think there are specific requirements in order to take the patent bar (see http://www.uspto.gov/ip/boards/oed/exam/GRB_January_2014.pdf page 4)

 

[Anis767]

Hi,

I have read lots of post in this forum and the information you have provided so far in patent exam has been very informative and i would like to thank you for taking your time and providing all these valuable information.

I have a BS in Biology and currently doing MS in Regulatory Science part time and working Full time in Pharmaceutical industry in IT sector as Engineer for about 5 years. Could you please tell me as what are my chances to become a successful patent agent or attorney after passing my patent bar exam?

Would i get a good job in a reputed firm with my background?
Is there something else i should do to increase my chances?
What are some of step i should take?

Please guide me.
Thanks.

 

[SteffenKaufmann]

My dad is a European Patent Attorney in Germany. Kaufmann, Dresden, Germany.

This profession between technology and law is interesting for a lifetime and the competition is not comparable to normal attorneys of law because to become a patent attorney you need another patent attorney who has enough work. There is not an oversupply as in very most other fields of law. Germany has more attorneys of law than bakers and florists together, every idiot studies law and the smarter ones all get the attorney license, not so in the law of engineering.

Fair or not, it helps to have a higher academic degree in the profession, this equals very good connections, when in doubt people higher the attorney with the highest degree and he gets more and more experience, something which is not easily to gain without at least a PhD or extraordinarily good industry connections.

Being a patent attorney you are away from high end research, you rather have something completely different every a few days on your desk. The income is very good for most patent attorneys, the competition is rising, but as written above, not dramatically.

In the regional market and I think it's similar in other countries Biology and Chemistry have much less demand for patent attorneys than mechanical engineering, materials and electronics.

Pharma firms have a patent department and it's not really the same profession. A patent attorney should be free to cooperate, if necessary, with whoever he wants to. Whenever the other side has 100 attorneys, still you battle only with one who is not used to that. Most battles are avoided, not necessary or there is an agreement. Patent attorneys are not divorce lawyers. Media give a wrong impression. It's a peaceful job without too much stress and sometimes with colleagues work.

 

[ze_scientistGuy]

Hi,

This thread is probably the most informative on the topic. I am a third year Phd student, with one more year to go, i have started exploring my future options. The path of a patent agent certainly seems exciting to me.
My profile in brief:
Bachelors Biomedical Engineering
Master Biomedical Engineering
PhD medical physics (basically a combinations of electronics, programming, human physiology)

My studies/skills mainly revolve around electronics, programming, medical devices, human physiology and Electro-physiology, biostatistics.
How would you evaluate my chances of getting in the field ? what would you advice me to do in this on year to add to CV/skill-set to enhance my of getting a entry-level job?

Cheers!

 

[EngTurnedIPAtty]

Depending on where you live, entry-level may be defined differently. I was an extremely experienced engineer with almost 20 yrs experience at HP as a EE/BioMed Eng. I did get my JD several years ago, almost entirely paid for by HP, but was sufficiently distracted for career and monetary reasons to not pursue law, specifically patent law at HP, remaining on an engineering track. I had expected patent law to be my next step when I attempted to step into it, but found a lot of resistance from firms looking for "actual" patent law experience. I can now understand this. Patent law is not an easy career path, though it can be very rewarding both intellectually and monetarily. As difficult as the Patent Bar was to pass, I did take and pass it (I was already a member of the CA bar), but still no firm wanted to take an engineer (BS EE/BioMed) with a USPTO Reg # and no actual patent law experience.

As a result, I took a job as a Patent Examiner, which REALLY helped. After only a year on the job at the USPTO I was approached by a private law firm. While the USPTO experience was invaluable, it was likewise not complete. I found that it was a great leg up, but the last couple years in private practice as a Patent Attorney have been an incredible learning experience. While taking the job at the USPTO was not necessarily financially rewarding in the short term, it was truly rewarding from an experience point of view and has now become intellectually and financially rewarding as well.

As for the entry-level aspect of your question, I am not in NY, LA or SF where the threshold of required experience may be lower. I am in a mid-sized, though tech savvy, metropolitan area. Where I am, a year or 2 is the minimum level of patent law experience. My recommendation is to pass the USPTO bar and if you live in a large metropolitan area you may be fine. However, in a smaller area you may need to figure out a way to get some experience at the USPTO first. We have had several interns at our firm this past summer, this might also be an alternative.

 

[ch hitech]

Hey can you help me by briefing the procedure for obtaining a patent

 

[EngTurnedIPAtty]

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has laid out the process here http://www.uspto.gov/patents/process/index.jsp

Essentially, you need to disclose your idea in a patent application (e.g., Design, Plant or most commonly a Utility type). Assuming you are headed down the Utility path, you can either take a lower cost initial step called a provisional. Wiki nicely sums up the provisional: Under United States patent law, a provisional application is a legal document filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), that establishes an early filing date, but does not mature into an issued patent unless the applicant files a regular non-provisional patent application within one year. There is no such thing as a "provisional patent".

A provisional application includes a specification, i.e. a description, and drawing(s) of an invention (drawings are required where necessary for the understanding of the subject matter sought to be patented), but does not require formal patent claims, inventors' oaths or declarations, or any information disclosure statement (IDS). Furthermore, because no examination of the patentability of the application in view of the prior art is performed, the USPTO fee for filing a provisional patent application is significantly lower (US$ 130 as of April 2013) than the fee required to file a standard non-provisional patent application. A provisional application can establish an early effective filing date in one or more continuing patent applications later claiming the priority date of an invention disclosed in earlier provisional applications by one or more of the same inventors.

The process of getting a patent however, really begins with the filing of the utility application. The utility application with essentially the same components above plus formalized claims is filed. Some number of months to years later the USPTO will examine the application, then search the idea looking for prior art and then issue a notice of allowance leading to issuance or respond back with a rejection of some or all of the claims in your application. The response from the USPTO is called an Office Action (OA). You then need to respond any objections in the application and every rejection of the claims contained in the OA in your response to the OA. Most typically the OA will reject all of the claims. This often happens more than once.

While you can follow the process on the USPTO website. The process is not just complicated but it is incredibly important to properly disclose the invention/idea in the application as originally filed. Proper disclosure means that the idea including the language used to describe it MUST be written such that the idea may be claimed broadly enough to capture your idea completely. While the specification of the application may be amended after filing, no new matter may be added. So it is very important to get it right the first time. If this is your first time I would NOT advise trying to go it alone.

 

[annelys]

hi
when i was a university student, my major is engineering of the materials.
Now, i am a master degree of engineering of energy.
i want to know what i need to preparing if i want to be a patent engineer.
do i need the education about the patent law?
or get some licenses?
please give me some opinion.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Did you read the thread? If so, what parts do you still need clarification on? Also, are you in the US? Laws vary from country to country.

 

[EngTurnedIPAtty]

hi
when i was a university student, my major is engineering of the materials.
Now, i am a master degree of engineering of energy.
i want to know what i need to preparing if i want to be a patent engineer.
do i need the education about the patent law?
or get some licenses?
please give me some opinion.

You may want to go to the USPTO.gov site, specifically page 4 here: http://www.uspto.gov/ip/boards/oed/exam/OED_GRB.pdf

While this link tells you the requirements in order to sit for the patent bar and get a registration number, the bigger question will be one of market demand. While I am a EE I am not qualified to prepare or prosecute applications pertaining to chemical based inventions. I don't know all that is involved with engineering degrees in materials and/or energy, so I can't help you there. Earlier in this thread there is some discussion that might be relevant.

 

[berned_you]

Hey can you help me by briefing the procedure for obtaining a patent

That's not the purpose of this thread but this link will give you some indication of what is involved. http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/howtopat.htm. You can also call around to local patent attorneys as most will give you a few minutes of their time to answer questions. I'd also like to encourage you to avoid doing it yourself. A lot of websites make it appear straightforward but I can assure you it is not. There is a reason why attorneys can charge thousands of dollars to prepare patent applications.

 

[Mark Coleman]

Hello I just have a general question...

I'm sort of a late bloomer when it comes to actually being interested in IP Law. After doing a lot of research I found that this is the career path I would like to go down. I've always wanted to be a lawyer. I graduated in 2013 with my B.A. in African American Studies. After reading the patent requirements it seemed like I would have to get a Masters Degree in Chemistry or Physics. I would much rather take Engineering since I was really interested in the subject and took it when I was in high school. However, after reading the Patent requirements it doesn't seem like I can get my Masters in the field of Engineering and still qualify for the patent bar since my undergraduate degree is in another subject and I would need a certain amount of science courses. So my question is: Since I have my B.A. in African American Studies can I still qualify to take the patent bar if I get my Masters in Chemistry or Physics?

 

[mark_gg]

Hey, I'm a bioscience post grad currently in law school, and I.P. law is appealing to me. The issue I'm having is when I look around for the types of jobs out there, all of them require years of experience in I.P. prosecution. Also, my school has no I.P. program whatsoever and so far I have been interning with non I.P. type things. I would do anything I.P. but I just cannot find anything!

Where do people find experience? I assumed I would go into some kind of I.P. agent role, or junior associate (but even then they all seem to want experience). The USPTO has a conspicuous lack of any internships, as well as law firms in general.

I assume people need to start somewhere, but I cannot see where that somewhere is? Any help there would be great.

Thanks.

 

[berned_you]

Hey, I'm a bioscience post grad currently in law school, and I.P. law is appealing to me. The issue I'm having is when I look around for the types of jobs out there, all of them require years of experience in I.P. prosecution. Also, my school has no I.P. program whatsoever and so far I have been interning with non I.P. type things. I would do anything I.P. but I just cannot find anything!

Where do people find experience? I assumed I would go into some kind of I.P. agent role, or junior associate (but even then they all seem to want experience). The USPTO has a conspicuous lack of any internships, as well as law firms in general.

I assume people need to start somewhere, but I cannot see where that somewhere is? Any help there would be great.

Thanks.

Your best bet in gaining IP experience is to work a few years at the patent office as an examiner once out of school. In-school summer internships and externships are available but you just have to search from them. There will likely be a discussion on law firm websites in the "career" section instead of a typical job posting. If you find a firm where you would like to intern or extern, you can also give them a call and ask for more information regarding such possibilities. Networking is powerful in the legal field. Don't get discouraged if you have a hard time finding an internship or externship in the patent field. Oftentimes, firms do not want to bother having to teach interns that may find a job elsewhere a year later.

 

[berned_you]

Hello I just have a general question...

I'm sort of a late bloomer when it comes to actually being interested in IP Law. After doing a lot of research I found that this is the career path I would like to go down. I've always wanted to be a lawyer. I graduated in 2013 with my B.A. in African American Studies. After reading the patent requirements it seemed like I would have to get a Masters Degree in Chemistry or Physics. I would much rather take Engineering since I was really interested in the subject and took it when I was in high school. However, after reading the Patent requirements it doesn't seem like I can get my Masters in the field of Engineering and still qualify for the patent bar since my undergraduate degree is in another subject and I would need a certain amount of science courses. So my question is: Since I have my B.A. in African American Studies can I still qualify to take the patent bar if I get my Masters in Chemistry or Physics?

Sorry, I'm not sure. You'll have to review the requirements.

 

[MSEE_5yrs]

Hi,
I have a MS in EE and have 6 yrs work-ex in as an Electrical Engineer.
I have a portfolio of publised papers and research work etc.

1) With my background , how easy is it for me to get a job as a patent agent and have the law firm pay for my law school ( night school ) ?
2) What is the current demand for patent attorneys , with a background like mine
3) Is it possible for me to start a law firm in the future , where I can specialize in patents related to EE

 

[berned_you]

1) With my background , how easy is it for me to get a job as a patent agent and have the law firm pay for my law school ( night school ) ? No, not easy to get a job as a patent agent but not necessarily hard either. Firms will likely not pay for you to get your education.
2) What is the current demand for patent attorneys , with a background like mine. I would say it is high.
3) Is it possible for me to start a law firm in the future , where I can specialize in patents related to EE. Absolutely, presuming you get a law degree and pass the patent bar exam.

 

[MSEE_5yrs]

1) With my background , how easy is it for me to get a job as a patent agent and have the law firm pay for my law school ( night school ) ? No, not easy to get a job as a patent agent but not necessarily hard either. Firms will likely not pay for you to get your education.
2) What is the current demand for patent attorneys , with a background like mine. I would say it is high.
3) Is it possible for me to start a law firm in the future , where I can specialize in patents related to EE. Absolutely, presuming you get a law degree and pass the patent bar exam.

Thank you very much for your replies.
The information you provide is very helpful.

I wanted to understand a little bit more, why it would be difficult to get a job as a patent agent. Is there an abundance of them ?
But at the same time once I complete my law degree, you mentioned that the demand is high.

Hence wanted to understand a little bit more on the finer details.

 

[berned_you]

Patent agent positions are not rare but they are not as common as patent attorney positions. It's not to say that you will have a difficult time finding a job but I do not want to give you the impression that it will be easy either. You may have to do a bit of self-promotion, networking and searching to find a job. The legal field can be a complex place for finding and changing jobs. You will not be a commodity and so you will be looking for someone who currently has a need for someone with your specific skill set, experience and personality (a big component of legal hiring decisions). I believe there is a lot of demand for patent agents/attorneys will your general background but, as always, do not expect a job will be handed to you.

 

[MSEE_5yrs]

Patent agent positions are not rare but they are not as common as patent attorney positions. It's not to say that you will have a difficult time finding a job but I do not want to give you the impression that it will be easy either. You may have to do a bit of self-promotion, networking and searching to find a job. The legal field can be a complex place for finding and changing jobs. You will not be a commodity and so you will be looking for someone who currently has a need for someone with your specific skill set, experience and personality (a big component of legal hiring decisions). I believe there is a lot of demand for patent agents/attorneys will your general background but, as always, do not expect a job will be handed to you.

Thank you once again for the detailed explanation.

I was reading more about this field and I came across many articles which mentioned that

Much of the work involved in prosecuting patents is being outsourced to lower-wage nations with a significant technical workforce, such as India. Prior art searches and drawings are commonly outsourced. As more tasks become outsourced, there is more competition for the remaining work, eventually reducing fees that agents and attorneys can charge. Outsourcing of more phases of patent work could become more common as it has in other technical work.

How bad is the situation in reality?

Should this de-motivate me from pursuing my dream of having my own law firm , where I specialize in patent prosecution for patents in EE.

 

[berned_you]

Searching is definitely outsourced more often but that's the only big change I've noticed and it's the most straightforward of IP services. The preparation of patent applications is not outsourced and this is one big reason why http://patentlyo.com/patent/2008/07/outsourcing-of.html . Also, the prosecution of patent applications is not frequently outsourced. Legal services are highly personal services. There are attorneys that charge $1,000 an hour and attorneys that charge a heck of a lot less. As I noted previously, relationships and expertise (whether that be for a specific technology, legal expertise and experience or knowledge about your client) are very important for clients and firms. As we all know from call service experiences in India, they have a long way to go before they will really be able to compete in matters of communication. Sorry, I'm super busy at the moment. I hope this is clear and makes sense. Main point, be aware of India but not afraid of how the market for patent agents is developing.

 

[MSEE_5yrs]

Searching is definitely outsourced more often but that's the only big change I've noticed and it's the most straightforward of IP services. The preparation of patent applications is not outsourced and this is one big reason why http://patentlyo.com/patent/2008/07/outsourcing-of.html . Also, the prosecution of patent applications is not frequently outsourced. Legal services are highly personal services. There are attorneys that charge $1,000 an hour and attorneys that charge a heck of a lot less. As I noted previously, relationships and expertise (whether that be for a specific technology, legal expertise and experience or knowledge about your client) are very important for clients and firms. As we all know from call service experiences in India, they have a long way to go before they will really be able to compete in matters of communication. Sorry, I'm super busy at the moment. I hope this is clear and makes sense. Main point, be aware of India but not afraid of how the market for patent agents is developing.

Thank you so much for removing time for me in the middle of a work day, to help me with my queries.
It makes a lot of sense, and maybe I can use them for my advantage, to get the mundane work done there.

 

[gravenewworld]

Does anyone still pursue this career arc anymore? The market for both attorneys and law schools is crashing at an almost comical rate (oversaturation, too many schools, etc.). Is law school really worth 6-figure debt these days?

 

[Gabrielle S]

Hello. I am currently pursuing a BA in Neuroscience and would like to pursue a career in patent law. I plan to obtain an MS in biotechnology, which is offered by Johns Hopkins, and then go to law school immediately after. Do you think this is a good path to take, or will I be at a major disadvantage if I do not get a PhD?

 

[berned_you]

Hello. I am currently pursuing a BA in Neuroscience and would like to pursue a career in patent law. I plan to obtain an MS in biotechnology, which is offered by Johns Hopkins, and then go to law school immediately after. Do you think this is a good path to take, or will I be at a major disadvantage if I do not get a PhD?

I recommend you do a quick google search to try and identify a patent attorney in your area that has a neuroscience background. Then contact them (or a few) and ask this question. They will be able to provide you with more helpful insight then I can and it is a good networking opportunity. Don't feel shy to contact patent attorneys as most are nice and will give you a few moments of their time. It's best to contact people via telephone as most emails from unknown sources don't get attention. Just be polite, explain who you are and ask if they have a few moments to answer a question or two.

 

[t556ee]

If this was already addressed, I apologize.

Are advanced degrees required in the EE/CS fields? Supposing one completed undergrad in EE and then law school is that enough or are MS/PhD recommended/required? What about completing PE exam?

I understand job markets are competitive and want to know what the stance is on engineers.Thanks.

 

[EngTurnedIPAtty]

Advanced degrees are not required. EE/CS is a growing field and in some cases some firms may desire it. but certainly this is not required. Life Sciences seems to be different. Having real world engineering experience seems to almost be of greater value. Most firms will likely desire some IP experience as well. The IP experience can be formed via Examiner jobs, working in a corporate IP group, tech transfer offices, etc.

 

[zhuozhuolin]

How to figure out if a certain law school has a solid patent program? Thanks.

 

[Bin]

Hey folks, I'm Greg's sister. One career many scientists do not consider is becoming a patent attorney. I've been practicing as an intellectual property attorney for 6 years now. Does anyone have any questions regarding a career in patent law? I'd be more than happy to provide some insight.

Thank you so much for all the information. I have a J.D. degree but I do not have science background. I found that some universities offer accelerated 1-year master's programs, like Master of Engineering in EECS. How is the Master of Engineering compared to Master of Science in respect to convince law firms that I have earned enough science background in EE?

 

[Jen F]

Hi,

I am a chemist who plans on getting a 2nd degree in computer science in the fall. I have 3 years of pharma experience and plan on working full time while I get the comp sci degree. I have been considering becoming a patent agent since college because I love chemistry content but hate lab work.

I hope after finishing my computer science degree I can get into an Ivy League law school and become a patent lawyer for a big firm that pays me 150k a year. I am a workaholic and am used to 70 hour work weeks. I like being work obsessed, so I am more than willing to put in the hours for a big pay off.

Do you think my game plan sounds good and makes me a desirable patent layer for a big firm? I am nervous about the cost of law school but I am willing to take on that debt for a big pay off. People tell me different things but I would like to hear from a real patent attorney on if I have a good plan to become successful in this field! Please let me know if I should be looking to do more or skip certain steps, such as going to law school or getting the comp sci degree. Although I think computers are the future so knowing that technology should be useful for patent law...

Any insight is appreciated. Thank you!

 

[berned_you]

Hi,

I am a chemist who plans on getting a 2nd degree in computer science in the fall. I have 3 years of pharma experience and plan on working full time while I get the comp sci degree. I have been considering becoming a patent agent since college because I love chemistry content but hate lab work.

I hope after finishing my computer science degree I can get into an Ivy League law school and become a patent lawyer for a big firm that pays me 150k a year. I am a workaholic and am used to 70 hour work weeks. I like being work obsessed, so I am more than willing to put in the hours for a big pay off.

Do you think my game plan sounds good and makes me a desirable patent layer for a big firm? I am nervous about the cost of law school but I am willing to take on that debt for a big pay off. People tell me different things but I would like to hear from a real patent attorney on if I have a good plan to become successful in this field! Please let me know if I should be looking to do more or skip certain steps, such as going to law school or getting the comp sci degree. Although I think computers are the future so knowing that technology should be useful for patent law...

Any insight is appreciated. Thank you!

What's your pharma experience in if you have a comp sci degree?

 

[neosoul]

I'm considering becoming a patent attorney or patent agent, but I have a dilemma.

Currently, I'm a rising junior. I want to get accepted into a PhD program in experimental condensed matter physics. I look forward to being able to work in a lab daily, and making "groundbreaking" discoveries. I want the experience I get working in the lab to be a stepping stone into establishing a research firm. I don't want to be the CEO of the firm. I think that would be more fitting for someone with a business management background. Even after establishing the research firm, I want to be doing the research.

Here's where becoming a patent attorney or patent agent comes in. I love the idea of being able to be a patent agent. I'm more on the side of patent agent than patent attorney. I feel that law school will take a way my time from the lab or from science in general. If I do become a patent agent, is it necessary for me to always work at a firm. Will I have to completely give up working in the lab and creating my own devices and making my own discoveries?

 

[berned_you]

"If I do become a patent agent, is it necessary for me to always work at a firm. Will I have to completely give up working in the lab and creating my own devices and making my own discoveries?"

There are patent agents in both companies and firms, however, in either position you won't be anywhere near a lab and it's highly unlikely that you'll be making any discoveries of your own. In a firm context, you need to work hard to NOT become an inventor as it creates a conflict of interest. In a company setting, there may be less restriction on becoming an inventor but you still won't be anywhere near a lab and any sort of "inventing" won't be in your job description.

 

[neosoul]

There are patent agents in both companies and firms, however, in either position you won't be anywhere near a lab and it's highly unlikely that you'll be making any discoveries of your own. In a firm context, you need to work hard to NOT become an inventor as it creates a conflict of interest. In a company setting, there may be less restriction on becoming an inventor but you still won't be anywhere near a lab and any sort of "inventing" won't be in your job description.

I'm actually not driven by making patents anyway. I would like to work for (and later establish and manage) a research form that does some research for bigger companies.

Thanks for your response. I've been looking for someone that could give me a great answer based on their knowledge and experience.

 

[Jen F]

What's your pharma experience in if you have a comp sci degree?

I'm sorry you misunderstood! I have a degree in chemistry, and I plan on getting a degree in computer science in addition to that. I am starting classes this fall. After I'm done getting a computer science degree in 2 years, I want to apply to law school...

 

[Godric]

I've recently been considering becoming a patent agent in Canada. It sounds like a really interesting, rewarding career that I could actually enjoy doing. I know here in Canada you only really need a trainee position for 24 months and some kind of engineering or science degree to get that position in the first place before you can sit the (incredibly difficult) exams. I am going to be graduating with a major in physics and minor in mathematics a year from now and I am trying to decide what the best path to take would be. I could go to law school and become an actual patent attorney, or I could attempt to get a trainee position with just my bachelors, or do a masters in some kind of engineering, or I could go on to do a masters in Medical Physics (the other career I've been considering) and then potentially move to patent law from there. Which path would be the most useful towards being a patent agent?

 

[SiliconGene]

Hey, I have a few questions and this looks like a great place to find answers!

I'm currently a chemical engineering student on a six month internship for a big name biotech company in the Bay area. I have a about 1 year of additional work experience as a research assistant at a couple different universities under my belt, and have one semester left prior to graduation. A career in patent law only recently became a topic of interest to me, mostly because I've been searching for ways to have a career closely related to science, without actually working in the lab, so to speak. I'll be having lunch with a patent attorney working in my company's legal department in the near future, so my questions don't get answered here, hopefully she'll be able to offer more insight.

1. I have the option of graduating with a "concentration" in biochemical engineering, as opposed to just chemical engineering. It's not a second degree to any extent; just an extra line on my diploma that indicates I've taken extra classes related to biology and biochemical engineering. I would have to take two additional classes this coming semester in order to complete my concentration. Would this concentration be of any additional benefit to me?
2. I will be applying to a two year rotational program following completion of my internship. This would effectively make me a full time employee for the biotech company I'm currently employed at for the next two years. Assuming I am offered a position in the program, or I find employment elsewhere, would work experience in the field benefit my application to law school? Or should I apply immediately after graduating?
3. If "real world" experience would be beneficial to my application, the next question to ask would be how much? How many years should I work in the field before going back to law school? I can see arguments going both ways from a personal standpoint (family, motivation, etc), but I'm more interested in the professional aspects, i.e. is there some sort of hypothetical "golden zone" where an admissions board sees adequate work experience without the applicant appearing "too old" (or something similar).
4. How do people pay for law school?! I'm sure Google could help me find generic answers, but I'm sure the landscape is slightly different for engineers looking to switch to IP law.

Sorry if this all sounds slightly scatter-brained, I woke up not twenty minutes ago!

 

[berned_you]

Hey, I have a few questions and this looks like a great place to find answers!

I'm currently a chemical engineering student on a six month internship for a big name biotech company in the Bay area. I have a about 1 year of additional work experience as a research assistant at a couple different universities under my belt, and have one semester left prior to graduation. A career in patent law only recently became a topic of interest to me, mostly because I've been searching for ways to have a career closely related to science, without actually working in the lab, so to speak. I'll be having lunch with a patent attorney working in my company's legal department in the near future, so my questions don't get answered here, hopefully she'll be able to offer more insight.

1. I have the option of graduating with a "concentration" in biochemical engineering, as opposed to just chemical engineering. It's not a second degree to any extent; just an extra line on my diploma that indicates I've taken extra classes related to biology and biochemical engineering. I would have to take two additional classes this coming semester in order to complete my concentration. Would this concentration be of any additional benefit to me?
2. I will be applying to a two year rotational program following completion of my internship. This would effectively make me a full time employee for the biotech company I'm currently employed at for the next two years. Assuming I am offered a position in the program, or I find employment elsewhere, would work experience in the field benefit my application to law school? Or should I apply immediately after graduating?
3. If "real world" experience would be beneficial to my application, the next question to ask would be how much? How many years should I work in the field before going back to law school? I can see arguments going both ways from a personal standpoint (family, motivation, etc), but I'm more interested in the professional aspects, i.e. is there some sort of hypothetical "golden zone" where an admissions board sees adequate work experience without the applicant appearing "too old" (or something similar).
4. How do people pay for law school?! I'm sure Google could help me find generic answers, but I'm sure the landscape is slightly different for engineers looking to switch to IP law.

Sorry if this all sounds slightly scatter-brained, I woke up not twenty minutes ago!

I think the advice you'll get from your coworker will be much more tailored/accurate than any I could provide to you. For #3, real world experience is always valued but not necessary. For #4, scholarships are awesome if you can get them but if not, you probably need to take out cripplingly large loans. Don't go into law school unless you know it's what you want to do because it's definitely an investment.

 

[biotech2015]

hi! I am a biotechnology undergrad interested in ipr and patenting. how do i become a patent agent?? is getting a phd compulsory? what is the salary a patent agent in the field of biotechnoogy can expect??im currently applying for masters programs and i need direction

 

[js088]

hi! I am a biotechnology undergrad interested in ipr and patenting. how do i become a patent agent?? is getting a phd compulsory? what is the salary a patent agent in the field of biotechnoogy can expect??im currently applying for masters programs and i need direction

As far as I know you just have to clear the USPTO Patent Bar and they need you to have a background in science. So you should be alright. Your average salary would depend on where you start off i.e. in law firms or in legal departments of tech start-ups or established players or with the USPTO etc. So somewhere between $55,000 to $125,000.

 

[neosoul]

Would former experimental research scientists be preferred by those looking to hire patent attorneys? What about people with physics BSc & engineering PhD?

 

[js088]

Well I reckon the PhD in engineering wouldn't hurt. As for research scientists, that would again be dependent upon the job profile. However, some firms would definitely require their attorneys to have domain specific knowledge to interact with R & D departments of other organizations.

 

[Jayoung600]

So, I am majoring in Philosophy and minoring in Computer Science. Would minoring in computer science be enough to take the patent exam or would I have to get experience with the minor?

 

[jack476]

Hey folks, I'm Greg's sister. One career many scientists do not consider is becoming a patent attorney.

Except, you know, that one guy.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

What about math majors? It's not my first choice but I'm not ready to take the option completely off the table yet. Would taking a communications or political science minor help me?

 

[Evolveng]

Hello! Great discussion page.

My undergrad was in Biotechnology Engineering, and very recently I completed my Master's in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs. The MS isn't what I expected it to be. My aptitude bolsters creative thinking and problem thinking and hence, Regulatory career isn't the right choice for me. It would help me a lot if you could answer my queries.

1. I was wondering if I have any chances of becoming a Patent agent?
2. Are there any schools for such program? If yes, how expensive is it?
3. What are my other career options?

Thank you.
Yay! 199th post.

 

[ChEmicallyEmily]

I know this thread was originally from a long time ago but if you are still replying...

I have always been interested in patent law and going to law school but wanted to make some money after getting my bachelors degree in chemical engineering. I have been working for a pharmaceutical/vaccine company for the past three years out of school.

Is it necessary to get a PhD in ChE like it is for chemistry to have a better chance at getting a good job? What is the career outlook for a ChE gone IP Attorney?

Just curious as it makes me nervous to pursue a completely different career path when I have a good (but not perfect for me) job currently.