Civil Engineering or Mechanical for Patent Attorney

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision of a junior pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree to switch to Civil Engineering while considering a career as a patent attorney. Participants unanimously recommend staying in Mechanical Engineering, citing its relevance to patent law, particularly in mechanical patents, which significantly outnumber those in civil engineering. The consensus is that a background in Electrical Engineering (EE) is even more advantageous for patent prosecution. The conversation emphasizes the importance of choosing a discipline that aligns with patent law's technical demands.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Mechanical Engineering principles
  • Familiarity with patent law basics
  • Knowledge of Electrical Engineering fundamentals
  • Awareness of the patent application process and its technical requirements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of Mechanical Engineering in patent law
  • Explore the advantages of an Electrical Engineering background for patent attorneys
  • Investigate the patent application process for mechanical inventions
  • Learn about notable patents in mechanical engineering and their implications
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals considering a career in patent law, particularly those with backgrounds in engineering disciplines, as well as current Mechanical and Civil Engineering students evaluating their career paths.

boilerup12
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I am a junior currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Recently, I decided to pursue a law degree after completing my Bachelor's degree. I am currently considering a switch to Civil Engineering, but I am not sure if this is a good decision. Does anyone have advice for me? I know civil engineering is acceptable, but is it a wise switch? Any advice would be appreciated.
 
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Welcome to PF, Boilerup.
I am not a high-school graduate, let alone an Engineer, but I tend to think like a Mechanical Engineer and therefore recommend that approach. To me, it seems to be the basis of all other branches in the realm.
 
I was also on the patent law path, and even took the LSAT, until I realized I had my priorities mixed up in life. Mechanical engineering would be much better than civil, given that you will be patents with a mechanical basis, not anything dealing with scale of structures in civil engineering. That said, electrical engineering is arguably the most desirable technical background to have with regard to patent prosecution...so if I were you, I'd go for a background in EE.
 
Why are you considering a switch to civil engineering?
 
I think there is no doubt that the number of patents per year produced by mechanical engineering disciplines - especially those involved in mass production - is many many times greater than for civil / building simply because the latter tends to be one off.

Famous patents in civils such as the 'cats eye' were really mech eng driven.

Good luck in your future career.
 

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