Patent Attorney Introduction Patent attorneys give technical and legal advice to people who want to protect their inventions. Their work includes advising on all areas of intellectual property. The process of applying for a patent is a complicated one, so many people use the services of an attorney. Also known as Patent Agent Work Activities As a Patent Attorney, you will give technical and legal advice to people who have ideas for new inventions. The process of applying for a patent is a complicated one, so many people use the services of a Patent Attorney. You must have the scientific and technical knowledge to interpret drawings and prototypes, to understand what the invention is. You are often also able to give advice on how likely the invention is to be a commercial success. Inventions range from simple gadgets to complicated mechanical, chemical and electronic processes and apparatus. The Government's Patent Office can grant a patent if: The invention is new. The invention is not obvious to someone working in the area for which it is intended. The invention has a practical use. To enable a Patent Examiner at the Patent Office to decide if an invention meets these criteria, you must first produce a written document that clearly defines and describes the invention. The Patent Examiner then looks at the document. The Examiner searches through patent publications, technical databases and literature to make sure the invention is novel and truly inventive. The Examiner sends a report to you, who helps the Inventor to decide whether or not to proceed with the application. If the Patent Office raises any objection to the application, you will prepare written arguments, which may be of a technical or legal nature, to obtain the best possible protection for the applicant's invention. Most Patent Attorneys also become European Patent Attorneys, entitling you to practise before the European Patent Office. Patent Attorneys in the European Patent Office use the English, French and German languages to process patent applications from across the Continent. You have the legal skills to enforce your clients' rights in court, either acting alone or as part of a legal team. All Patent Attorneys have the right to appear as Advocates in the Patents County Court. Although your main qualification is in Patents, you may deal with all forms of intellectual property rights, including registered design rights and copyright. Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you re looking for work in Wales. Personal Qualities and Skills To do this job well, you'll need: CASCAID 2018 1
To keep up to date with technological developments. Knowledge of the law and how it affects intellectual property. Strong communication skills to work with inventors, Patent Office staff and court officials. The confidence and ability to construct a logical and persuasive argument, when you represent an applicant in court. Excellent written skills to produce clear and comprehensive reports. Awareness of the marketplace that any invention may enter. The ability to read either French or German is very useful. Knowledge of other European languages would also be useful. Pay and Opportunities Pay The pay rates given below are approximate. Inexperienced Patent Attorneys could earn 28,000 Experienced Patent Attorneys can earn 60,000 Senior Patent Attorneys can earn more than 100,000 Hours of work Patent Attorneys typically work a basic 37-hour week. However, some late finishes and weekend work may be required. Where could I work? Most Patent Attorneys work for firms of agents in private practice. Other employers include the patent departments of large industrial organisations and government departments. Opportunities for Patent Attorneys occur in offices in towns and cities throughout the UK. Self-employment Opportunities occur for Patent Attorneys to establish their own firms in private practice. Where are vacancies advertised? The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys' (CIPA) website lists vacancies connected to this career. Vacancies are also advertised on all the major job boards, on Universal Jobmatch, and at Jobcentre Plus. Entry Routes and Training Entry routes To become a Patent Attorney, you'll usually need a degree in a Science, Engineering or a Mathematical based subject. Of course, there are a huge number of courses related to the subject areas above, so it's a good idea to look for courses that offer units covering subjects like intellectual property or patent law. By studying these subjects, you could be exempt from some of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorney's (CIPA) exams. A great way to get into this career is through an internship. Take a look at our information article ' Internships', for more details. Training CASCAID 2018 2
Trainee Patent Attorneys are known as Technical Assistants, or just Patent Assistants. You are given legal training in a Patent Attorney's office or company patent department, while studying part-time for the professional examinations of the CIPA and the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys. Training usually takes between four and five years to complete. Work Experience People with considerable experience in a company's patent department may be able to become Patent Attorneys. Some professional and scientific staff, for example, in research and development work, may be able to transfer into patent work. Progression There are variety of options for people making progress in this career. Some Patent Attorneys become Patent Examiners. Some specialise in a particular area of patents. The major goal for many in this profession is to become a partner in a firm. Qualifications The usual entry requirement for a relevant degree course is: 2/3 A levels GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in your A level subjects A further 2/3 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths. Your A levels should include one, or more, of the following: English Law Business Studies History A science subject A modern language Geography Commerce Latin Economics British constitution A GCSE in French or German is useful, but not essential. Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A levels, for example: Edexcel (BTEC) Level 3 National qualifications. The International Baccalaureate Diploma. You should check prospectuses carefully for specific requirements. Some universities accept the Welsh Baccalaureate as equivalent to 1 A-level. Adult Opportunities Age limits It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits. CASCAID 2018 3
Skills/experience People with considerable experience in a company's patent department may be able to become patent attorneys. Some professional and scientific staff, for example, in research and development work, may be able to transfer into patent work. Courses If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Engineering) could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges. Various institutions offer postgraduate qualifications in subjects related to Intellectual property, via distance learning. Statistics 16% of people in occupations such as patent attorney are self-employed. 6% work part-time. 17% have flexible hours. 3% work on a temporary basis. Further Information Contacts Inside Careers Specialists in graduate careers Address: Unit 6, The Quad, 49 Atalanta Street, Fulham, London SW6 6TU Tel: 020 7565 7900 Website: www.insidecareers.co.uk Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) Address: 95 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DT Tel: 020 7405 9450 Email: mail@cipa.org.uk Website: www.cipa.org.uk Intellectual Property Office (IPO) Address: Concept House, Cardiff Road, Newport, South Wales NP10 8QQ Tel: 0300 3002000 Email: information@ipo.gov.uk Website: www.ipo.gov.uk People Exchange Cymru (PEC) Public sector recruitment portal for Wales Email: peopleexchangecymru@gov.wales Website: www.peopleexchangecymru.org.uk/home Related Careers Lawyer Legal Executive Trade Mark Attorney Solicitor Barristers' Clerk Magistrates' Court Assistant Legal Adviser Patent Examiner Advocate Licensed Conveyancer CASCAID 2018 4
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