Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the considerations of pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering versus continuing in Mechanical Engineering for a future career as a patent attorney. Participants explore the implications of each engineering discipline on patent law, particularly in relation to the types of patents typically associated with each field.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses uncertainty about switching from Mechanical to Civil Engineering and seeks advice on whether it is a wise decision.
- Another participant suggests that Mechanical Engineering serves as a foundational discipline for other branches and recommends staying in that field.
- A different participant shares their experience with patent law and argues that Mechanical Engineering is more relevant for patent prosecution compared to Civil Engineering, which they believe deals with less patentable innovations.
- One participant questions the rationale behind considering a switch to Civil Engineering, indicating a need for further clarification on the motivations for the change.
- Another participant highlights the greater volume of patents produced in Mechanical Engineering compared to Civil Engineering, suggesting that the latter is less conducive to patentable innovations.
- A participant mentions a resource related to intellectual property law, indicating that there are opportunities to ask questions from an IP attorney.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the merits of Mechanical versus Civil Engineering for a career in patent law. There is no consensus on whether switching to Civil Engineering is advisable, and multiple perspectives on the relevance of each discipline to patent prosecution remain present.
Contextual Notes
Participants' views depend on their personal experiences and perceptions of the patent landscape in relation to different engineering disciplines. The discussion does not resolve the complexities involved in choosing an engineering path for a legal career.