Becoming a Patent Agent: Can I Do It With Only a Master's from Stanford?

[Pras2]

I have a Master's in Biology with 11 years of industry experience, I want to become a patent agent. How hard is it to break into the field of patent prosecution without a PhD? My Master's is from Stanford University.

 

[berkeman]

I have a Master's in Biology with 11 years of industry experience, I want to become a patent agent. How hard is it to break into the field of patent prosecution without a PhD? My Master's is from Stanford University.

Welcome to the PF.

Here's a nice long thread (and resource) that should help you out a lot:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/anyone-considering-a-career-as-a-patent-attorney.577550/

 

[analogdesign]

I have a Master's in Biology with 11 years of industry experience, I want to become a patent agent. How hard is it to break into the field of patent prosecution without a PhD? My Master's is from Stanford University.

A good friend of mine has a Master's in Biology from Stanford University and is currently a Patent Agent. The key is to have a connection. Almost every job is word of mouth so you need to seek out Patent law firms (if you're in the South Bay there are lots of them) and try to get informational interviews. A big plus is if you've gone through the patent application process as part of your job.