But, how do we ensure that the IP law is applied and followed strictly? Here comes the need for intellectual licensing. Usually, the jobs are based in law firms and the positions can be: patent attorneys, patent lawyers, IP attorneys, IP lawyers etc. Their main responsibility is to make sure that the intellectual ownership of an IP is not compromised and they are provided adequate intellectual protection in their trade.
Job profiles
Most of the jobs in this field are based in law firms. In these firms the job positions and profiles may range variedly. The very common positions/ profiles are: patent attorneys, patent lawyers, IP attorneys, IP lawyers, patent agents etc.
The general roles and responsibilities include:
- Enabling Patent/ trademark/copyright ownership.
- Managing the IP rights.
- In case of any infringement, file opposition and carry through with the prosecution and claims to provide intellectual protection.
- Look after the legal issues related to the intellectual properties.
Skills and qualifications
The skills include thorough knowledge of the IP law, patent laws, etc. The person should have very good interpersonal skills as effective communication is one of the key qualities to have for this kind of job. The person should be knowledgeable in multiple disciplines as it would be an advantage in today’s age of multi-tasking.
The qualifications required vary depending on the position and responsibilities. The qualifications also vary as per a countries jurisdiction. For e.g. in the USA to be a patent attorney or patent agent, the candidate should have at least one technical degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology etc. Along with this he has to clear a registration examination only after which he can earn a degree of a patent attorney.
Experience
As the desired job position is high up the job hierarchy, the number of years of experience required also increases. But in general even for a job on the lowest level of the hierarchy, a candidate needs to have good amount of internship experience with a reputed law firm.
Opportunities / Future prospects
With people becoming more aware of the IP law and the increasing need of intellectual protection, the number of job prospects in various law firms is increasing by the day and this upward trend will only improve further.
Salaries
The salaries vary depending on the geographical location of the job, economic condition, qualification, experience and the position. But in general it is a high paying job.
In general, the intellectual property jobs are best suited for people with a penchant for laws and legal matters. The basic responsibility is to provide intellectual protection to intellectual ownership.
- See Top 10 Reasons Most Law Firms Have No Idea How to Hire and Evaluate Patent Attorneys for more information.
