Introduction
Patent attorneys are lawyers with specific and unique qualifications and duties. Generally, they are practitioners who posses both the legal and technical expertise required to represent their clients in a patent office in a bid to secure patents. The scope of the duties they perform are wide, their main responsibility is to represent their clients in all matters related to patent law and all the procedures required.
History
The basic duties of patent attorneys include?
- Preparing and drafting patent applications.
- Filing application forms.
- Prosecuting all requests for applications.
- Representing clients.
- Conducting searches to ascertain that a particular invention was not previously represented.
Their duties and responsibilities differ depending on the country in which they are operating in. The qualifications may also vary. Patent attorneys are also referred to as patent agents or patent lawyers. There may be a slight difference between lawyers and agents depending on the jurisdiction. They specifically interact with laws that govern intellectual property. They can also function as litigators in a bid to protect their clients in a court of law.
Features
What is the job description of patent attorneys? They specialize in intellectual property protection laws, which aim to protect the rights of the investors. Applying for patents on your own can be a long and strenuous process this is why you require the expertise of a patent attorney to guide you through the details. Patent attorneys are trained to: interpret rules and regulation surrounding property rights, negotiate contracts for their clients, offer legal representation and file documents for inventors. There are various education requirements needed for one to qualify as a patent attorney. Patent attorneys generally pursue degrees in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics or an engineering course. Like all other lawyers, patent attorneys must pursue a law program offered by an accredited institution, it is also a requirement for them to pass the state bar exam. Attorneys who wish to represent their clients in the USPTO must pass the patent bar exam offered by the same body. Continuing education is a necessity in this field because the laws are subject to constant revision and modifications. Patent attorneys must also attend seminars and trainings so that they remain relevant in this ever evolving law discipline.
Tips and comments
There are numerous job opportunities available for patent attorneys. The fact that this field is not saturated makes such practitioners very marketable. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports indicate that patent attorneys are absorbed into the job market in various organizations such as government offices, research firms and academic institutions. However, they are primarily employed in the private sector and most are self employed. The BLS projects a job growth of about 13 percent in this law field, hence law students should consider pursuing a career in the field of patents. The USPTO has come up with a plan that is aimed at shortening the duration for patent application. They also hope to actively recruit more patent attorneys to deal with the high demand for such specialists.
