When an individual is first seeking employment as a patent technology specialist, it can be confusing as to what the qualifications are in comparison to what the job description is. One example of a job description would perhaps be…
IP lawyers often require an individual who is interested in beginning a career in patent law or perhaps becoming a patent agent. Often these firms will require individuals who hold degrees in specialized areas, such as a science or engineering degree. The particular firm may have various departments when each department has a patent lawyer who requires assistance in that area. Extra credentials in this particular specialized area perhaps would be some experience within the industry or advanced degrees that are applicable.
An individual who has an undergraduate degree would possibly find work as a patent technology specialist at an experience level of 1-2 years. The responsibilities for this position would encompass writing patent applications and other related duties under the direct supervision of the patent attorney.
If there is going to be patent prosecution as part of the job duties, then often some type of applicable technical degree will be required. Many individuals who fill these positions claim that what interested them most are the technology aspects of the job. They often get to work directly with the inventors, which requires a thorough concept of the technology they are involved. Often there is the opportunity to travel as well. It is sometimes necessary to meet directly with the inventors on their home ground.
The frustrating aspects of the job are the refused patents. There is so much time, effort, and money put into the applications. It is disheartening when they are refused by the patent examiners.
The patent technology specialists can earn a very reasonable income. Some of the typical salaries range from around $95K. One of the most inviting aspects of this job is its stability even in tough economic times.
Lawyers are often extremely busy when it comes to this field of work, so they often require the services of a patent technology specialist. A patent law firm may retain several employees related to these areas. In addition to these fields, there is also trademark protection to consider as well.
Often the patent rights of pharmaceutical companies are a major venue. The IP attorneys that handle these specific companies are busy and often require assistance. Some law firms only handle clients within this area.
At times, these pharmaceutical companies will hire patent technology specialists to be on their staff to assist in some of the legalities that their company patent attorney may require. Their main responsibilities will be to work closely not only with counsel, but with the scientists as well. They will be responsible to prepare and file the patent applications. Naturally, a good knowledge of the patent laws is a necessity. Various degrees of patent preparation and prosecution within this industry will be demanded depending on the level of the position. Whatever knowledge the applicant possesses in patent strategy is a bonus. The individual filling this position will also be required to perform patent searches and analyze as well. The average requirement would probably entail an advance degree in the life sciences sector. In most cases, the employer prefers a successful applicant to possess a Ph.D. If the candidate holds an admission to practice within the U.S. Patent office is favorable. Experience in a law firm atmosphere handling these specific clients is a plus.
The primary reason there are so many diversified job openings in this field of law is the importance that the government puts on patent protections. Protection is necessary for a person's intellectual property rights. If not, then there would be less technological progress. There would be no point in inventions if another person could just come along and lay claim to work they did not complete. Patent licensing is a very big issue. Individuals put forth much time and effort into an invention or copyrighted material.
A career in the IP law field is intriguing because there are so many aspects. It is important to choose an area of interest, because this is where one will usually excel. It is better to stay focused on one particular area, such as patents. If you are contemplating becoming an IP attorney, but enjoy patents, then you can make this your specialty by acquiring all the necessities. It then gives you a great option to start your own law firm in this specialty in the future. If you feel, you do not want to go through the education that becoming a lawyer requires then consider specializing in one of the technology fields and become a patent technology specialist. There are many lucrative jobs on the market for this niche. You really need to take the time, do some research and consider all of the options that are available to you within the entire intellectual property law field.
