besides being a patent attorney what can you do with patent law degree

by Royal Windler 9 min read

The first step to becoming a patent lawyer is getting a bachelor’s degree in law or science. Then, you should take some legal courses and earn a Juris Doctor

Juris Doctor

The Juris Doctor degree or Doctor of Law degree (J.D.), also known as the Doctor of Jurisprudence degree (D.Jur. or DJur), is a professional doctorate and first professional graduate degree in law. The degree is earned by completing law school in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other com…

degree. You can also work as a paralegal before applying for admission into a patent bar association.

Full Answer

Do you need to be a lawyer to get a patent?

Feb 22, 2021 · Primary duties: A patent attorney works with clients who want to patent an invention, method or other product. They help clients with their patent applications, trademarks and any litigation needs that arise from copyright issues. How do I get a law degree? If you're interested in getting a law degree, you need to: 1. Earn your bachelor's degree

What can a patent agent do for You?

Jun 04, 2021 · You do not need to obtain a law degree to work as a patent agent. However, going to law school and passing the bar exam leads to an even more lucrative career as a patent attorney. Patent attorneys typically earn more than $133K a year, while the median salary for careers in engineering does not pay anything comparable to that amount unless you ...

Is patent law a good career for an engineering student?

Sep 15, 2016 · Unlike a patent attorney, you can be a patent agent without having to go to law school and pass the bar exam. This means that a patent agent is not a lawyer – they can’t provide legal advice. A patent agent thus cannot provide legal advice on patent licensing or infringement, they can’t draft contracts or non-disclosure agreements (NDAs ...

How much does a patent attorney make?

As a registered Patent Agent you can represent clients before the patent office writing and prosecuting patents. Only Patent Attorneys (those with a law degree who are eligible to practice law) may help with patent litigation. Getting a law degree later is always an option, but many scientists and engineers wind up working in the field as Patent Agents. Whether or not you …

Is it worth it to become a patent lawyer?

It's not a bad start for a career in IPR but after a point, career progression tends to hit a ceiling. If you're the kind of person who's satisfied with that job profile and limited growth prospects or can not afford to take a sabbatical from work to pursue Law school education, Patent Agent suits you better.

What Can You Do With a Law Degree other than be a lawyer?

Possible job titles related to protection services and criminal justice, corrections and securityAdministrative officer.Correctional parole officer.Correctional service officer.Correctional services manager.Crime analyst.Crime information analyst.Crime prevention consultant.Criminal intelligence analyst.More items...

Is being a patent agent worth it?

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development It is possible to become a patent attorney from a patent agent. In addition to starting their own IP law firms, they can also become attorneys. It is very rewarding and prestigious to pursue a career in patent law.

Can you become a patent attorney with a law degree?

Yes. However, you do not need a law degree to become a patent attorney. ... The role of a patent attorney involves advising clients on those areas of law applicable to intellectual property. Consequently, during training you will be required to develop a thorough understanding and knowledge of relevant acts and laws.

Is patent law a growing field?

Intellectual property (IP) law is a growing practice area that protects creations of the human mind. These creations might include inventions that qualify for patent protection or literary and artistic works such as books, plays, music, and artwork.Apr 21, 2019

What can you do with a masters in patent law?

Careers prospects for graduates in intelectual property law include positions as patent lawyers, patent assessors, litigators, counsellors in intellectual property, licensing managers, and more.

Is patent law stressful?

The Journey. This is perhaps the most stress-inducing and challenging part of a career in patent law, but that is true for any job in the field of law. They all require time, energy, and dedication to get there. ... Many people have found that starting as a patent agent and working their way up is the best path.Jun 29, 2021

Why have a career in patent law?

The Pros of Patent Law Working in patent law allows you to learn about different inventions across all fields of science and engineering, unlike in a laboratory or academic career where you become an expert in one subfield of science and devote most of your career to it.Jul 7, 2020

What field of law is most in demand?

Highest Client Growth Rates by Practice AreaInsurance: +2190% (YoY) ... Criminal Law: +1680% (YoY) ... Civil Rights: +1160% (YoY) ... Personal Injury: +660% (YoY) ... Estate Planning: +330% (YoY) ... Bankruptcy: +280% (YoY) ... Employment Law: +190% (YoY) ... Business Law: +140% (YoY) (Top growth area: Contracts)More items...•Sep 21, 2020

Is law the hardest degree?

Law. Law is officially the hardest subject to get a first class degree in4, so we all know it's hard going. If you think you know what it's like to have a lot of reading, go and talk to a Law student.

How do you become a patent lawyer?

Here are six steps to become a patent attorney:Earn a science or engineering degree. ... Take the LSAT. ... Attend law school. ... Pass the state bar exam. ... Pass patent bar and register with USPTO. ... Consider additional specialized education.Jul 23, 2021

Are patent agents in demand?

Patent agents are in high demand as individuals and corporations continue to formulate new ideas and inventions. ... Patent agents' opportunities for career advancement are good, as well. They can become patent attorneys and even establish their own legal firms.

Is being a patent agent hard?

That said, becoming a patent agent is hard. ... Note that a law degree is NOT required to sit for the patent bar exam. However, some sort of training in the IP process is highly recommended. Then, you have to actually pass the patent bar exam, which has a pass rate of around 50% or less, depending on the year.Jun 8, 2021

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaPatent attorney: $180,000.Intellectual property (IP) attorney: $162,000.Trial attorneys: $134,000.Tax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.More items...•Dec 14, 2021

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Medical AttorneysMedical Attorneys Medical lawyers are among the highest paid types of lawyers and earn one of the highest median salaries in the legal field.Oct 27, 2021

Do you need a PhD to become a patent attorney?

You don't have to be a genius, but academic qualifications are valued. You may have to get your head round some extremely complex and technical patents in your working life. Around 60% of patent attorney trainees have a postgraduate qualification and around half of these have a PhD.Jul 11, 2017

Who can practice patent law?

Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents can be registered to practice law in patent matters before the USPTO. See 37 CFR § 11.6(a) and (b).Aug 7, 2017

Is property law a good career?

Property law is a thriving area of practice, especially during periods of economic boom. ... As a lawyer in this field, you could work on residential or commercial property matters, or you could do both. Commercial property work can be further divided into private and public sector projects.

Is intellectual property law difficult?

Much of the work IP lawyers do is a far cry from the dramatic courtroom battles seen in movies and television. Rather, most spend time in offices and other locations where they review or produce important documents, conduct interviews, and complete painstaking analyses of often highly technical material.

What is a patent law?

Patent law is the branch of intellectual property law that deals with new inventions. Traditional patents protect tangible scientific inventions, such as circuit boards, car engines, heating coils, or zippers. ... Once granted, a patent gives the inventors the exclusive right to sell their invention for 20 years.

What is the difference between patent attorney and agent?

A patent attorney has attended law school and taken and passed an examination for registration to practice law in that state. A patent agent is not a lawyer and cannot provide any legal advice, including advice on patent licensing or patent infringement.

What is intelectual property right?

Intellectual property rights are the rights given to persons over the creations of their minds. They usually give the creator an exclusive right over the use of his/her creation for a certain period of time.

Are patent attorneys smart?

Patent attorneys are extremely intelligent. The ability to get advanced science and engineering degrees is something very few attorneys could do. The ability to get good grades in these disciplines is also something that is extremely difficult to do.

How difficult is the patent bar exam?

Despite being an open book exam, the patent bar exam is one of the toughest in the country, with less than 50% passing since 2013. Many students put in additional hours post-course of study but still feel like they're ill-prepared and nervous on exam day.Jun 1, 2021

Are patent attorneys hard?

It is quite hard to become a patent attorney, but it's not impossible. You have to be someone who can sit down for long hours to study and prepare for your examinations.

How much do patent attorneys make?

Patent attorneys typically earn more than $133K a year, while the median salary for careers in engineering does not pay anything comparable to that amount unless you are an experienced petroleum engineer. If so, you may earn that much, but with experience in that specific engineering field, you may clear well over the median salary ...

What is the job description of a patent agent?

Patent Agent Job Description: Typical Work Environment. As an engineer, your day-to-day activities probably include both working with your hands and on a computer. You may also attend meetings and communicate with members of your team or, at minimum, members of management.

How many questions are asked in the patent bar exam?

The Patent Bar Exam. The patent bar exam is a 100-question , six-hour, multiple-choice exam. It covers details from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (or MPEP), which outlines all aspects of patent law.

What does a patent agent do?

As a patent agent, you will not have much, if any, the opportunity to work with your hands. You will spend most of your day drafting patent applications and overcoming rejections to help your clients get their inventions patented.

How long does it take to get a patent bar?

The material is difficult, as are the exam questions. But if you compare even the six months of study typically necessary to pass the patent bar to the four years it takes to earn a college degree, it’s well worth it.

How many years of experience do you need to be a patent agent?

When you research patent agent job openings, you will notice that many hiring managers request that candidates have two years of experience in the patent field. However, since almost all employers in any field prefer candidates with experience, don’t let your lack of experience present a deterrent.

What is a patent agent?

Similar to patent attorneys , a patent agent prepares, files, and prosecutes patent applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). They must have some advanced educational background in science or engineering, which is where having a PhD comes in handy.

How much does a patent agent make?

How much money does a patent agent make? According to salary.com, a patent agent makes between $76,926 – $107,800 a year, with the median salary being $89,282. This is based on a variety of factors including location.

Is patent law a career?

For a scientist or engineer, a career in patent law may seem appealing. The technical knowledge you’ve gained in your studies still remains an important part of your career, and you get to deal with new developments in science and technology that may have real life implications.

How to become a registered patent agent?

To be a registered patent agent, you must take and pass the patent bar. To take the patent bar, there are certain requirements – the official ones are listed in the USPTO General Requirements For Taking The Patent Bar.

Can a patent agent be a lawyer?

This means that a patent agent is not a lawyer – they can’ t provide legal advice. A patent agent thus cannot provide legal advice on patent licensing or infringement, they can’t draft contracts or non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), nor can they represent anyone in legal proceedings at court.

Is the patent bar easy?

The patent bar is not an easy exam. Especially after the changes made to the exam in recent years, there’s a lot more materials to cover. There are a number of patent bar prep materials online. It is important to be sure that you are studying from the most up to date and accurate materials for the upcoming patent exam.

What is a category A degree?

Basically, if you have a PhD or even just a Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering (such as degrees in biology, computer science, electronics technology, chemistry, pharmacology, physics, and numerous engineering degrees), you are a category A applicant.

What is a patent bar?

The Patent Bar is limited to scientists and engineers with the degrees posted above or a background showing technical skills in science or engineering. In order to write and prosecute patent applications, you must be skilled within a specific technology.

What degree do you need to be a mechanical engineer?

Life sciences degrees like biochemistry and molecular biology are also in demand although these typically require higher degree levels (like a Master’s degree or Ph.D.). Realistically, any major on the list of requirements from the USPTO will work.

Patent Attorney Education Requirements And Degrees

There are several education requirements to become a patent attorney. Patent attorneys usually study law, legal research and advanced professional studies or electrical engineering. 43% of patent attorneys hold a bachelor's degree and 41% hold a doctoral degree.

Top Online Courses For Patent Attorneys

Sometimes things are just better when you get to stay in your pajamas all day. That includes school. We found top courses for patent attorneys from Udemy, Coursera, EDX, and ed2go that will help you advance in your career. Here are essential skills you need to be a patent attorney:

Top 10 Colleges For Patent Attorneys

In a lot of cases, a higher education can mean a higher salary or even a better job. That's why we found out the best colleges for patent attorneys. We based this list on these metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of students working, ratio of working vs.

Top 10 Affordable Colleges For Patent Attorneys

If those top 10 were a bit out of your price range, you might want to check these schools instead. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price and mean earnings after 6 years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for patent attorneys.

Top 10 Hardest Colleges To Get Into For Patent Attorneys

Some people like a challenge. Well, we challenge you to get into one of these schools. It's not going to be easy. We know this based on these institutions' admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted and mean earnings of students 6 years after admission.

Top 10 Easier To Apply Colleges For Patent Attorneys

Why make getting a job harder on yourself than it has to be? With these colleges, you're sure to be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores and average salary of students 6 years after graduation in order to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into.

How to Become A Patent Lawyer with Engineering Degree

  • Choose a major
    Choosing a major is a career-defining decision you will make when selecting a college or university. It will have a long-lasting impact on the rest of your life. It would help if you chose something that interests you not to hate it later on. The first thing you’ll need to decide is if you …
  • Get a bachelor’s degree
    A bachelor’s degree helps you set yourself apart from other applicants. As long as you meet the minimum GPA requirements, you will receive admission into any graduate school in the country. GPA is calculated using grades received at all undergraduate institutions attended.
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Who Is A Patent Lawyer?

  • A patent lawyer is someone who specializes in creating and defending new inventions. Large companies usually employ them, but many small businesses also use them. In addition to helping inventors protect their ideas, a patent lawyer works on problems relating to intellectual property rights. The United States Patent Office has an annual budget of $1 billion. The USPTO employs …
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Patent Law Demand

  • The demand for patent attorneys increased significantly between 2007 and 2008 because of the economic downturn. This was especially true because many law schools had cut back on their programs due to the financial crisis. Patent jobs typically pay better than other types of law positions. For instance, one patent attorney makes around $100,000 per year. Other lawyers ma…
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can an engineer become a patent attorney?
    Yes! If you want to work with them, you can try your hand in this field. However, keep in mind that you won’t necessarily become a patent attorney. Instead, you may choose to specialize in something else. You’ll need to understand and apply legal principles. In particular, you’ll need to …
  • Do patent lawyers need an engineering degree?
    No. Many people believe that engineers don’t qualify for careers in the field. It couldn’t be further from the truth. Engineers are just as allowed like any other type of worker. They’re more likely to have a background in science and mathematics. If you’re interested in working with patients, the…
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Key Takeaways

  • To sum up, becoming a patent lawyer with an engineering degree involves obtaining a law degree and passing the Patent Agent Examination. After accomplishing both tasks, you can then start looking for jobs. You will need to understand and apply technical information. In particular, you will need to research and interpret case law.
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