What does a Patent Attorney do?

Patent Attorneys specialize in intellectual property law, including copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks and patents. They work to preserve a client’s right to their invention or design and represent creators throughout the patent application process. Patent Lawyers can also represent clients in court proceedings for patent infringement, licensing and other related matters.

Patent Attorney skills and qualifications

A successful Patent Lawyer needs to rely on several key skills. Consider including the following in your Patent Lawyer job description:

• Effective communication skills to relay complex legal or technical jargon

• Strong analytical abilities for assessing large quantities of data and building effective cases

• Organizational skills to keep up with deadlines and paperwork for multiple clients at once

• An expert-level understanding of intellectual property rights and the technical aspects of such property

Patent Attorney experience requirements

Because Patent Attorneys must display an expert-level understanding in patent law and a scientific field, it can take years to learn the role. Depending on your organization, you might look for a professional who specializes in a certain technical subject, such as biotechnology or pharmaceuticals. In these cases, consider specifying this in your Patent Lawyer job description to attract relevant applicants.

Patent Attorney education and training requirements

Unlike most legal practice types, patent law requires an aspiring Attorney to earn their undergraduate degree in a STEM subject, such as civil engineering or physics. From there, they can attend an accredited law school to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and pass the two-day bar exam in the state they intend to work.

Patent law differs from many legal professions due to an additional assessment. Professionals must register with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and pass the USPTO’s registration exam before practicing as a Patent Lawyer.

Job description samples for similar positions

A Patent Attorney job description may align with your open position. The following samples for similar positions might help you craft an effective job description:

• Attorney

• Paralegal

Patent Attorney job description FAQs

What is the difference between a Patent Attorney and a Patent Agent?

Patent Agents and Patent Attorneys can help write or file a patent. However, Patent Agents are not Lawyers. Patent Attorneys can participate in legal proceedings and draft contracts and other legal documents. Depending on the nature of the role, a Patent Attorney’s additional skills and expertise might make them a better fit for your team.

How do I make my Patent Attorney job description stand out?

Your patent attorney job description should be as specific as possible to give candidates a better idea of your open position. Providing details about salaries, benefit packages, company culture and flexible working options may give you a bigger applicant pool to choose from. You can also incorporate inclusive language to reduce bias and encourage professionals of all backgrounds to apply.

What qualities should I look for in a Patent Attorney?

An analytical mindset is an important quality for Patent Attorneys managing vast amounts of evidence and legal information. A strong sense of confidence may also be essential, especially when delivering statements on behalf of a client. Consider incorporating these skills into your job description to attract candidates with similar dispositions.

Are Patent Lawyers involved in the courtroom?

Patent Attorneys may represent clients through the litigation process. However, not all cases require Patent Attorneys to work in courtrooms, and many fulfill their roles in offices.