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Patent agents protect, defend, file, and research patents. In the US, patent agents cannot legally defend patents, but patent attorneys can. Specialization is important, and a bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, or physics is required, as well as passing the USPTO exam. Patent agents usually work in law firms and must have strong analytical skills and enjoy research.
Patent agent jobs only vary from job to job based on specialization. Patent agents work to protect, defend, file and research existing and pending patents. In many countries around the world, patent agents are synonymous with patent attorneys, although this is not the case in the United States.
In the United States, patent agents and patent attorneys perform different tasks. Although a patent agent can file, research and prepare a patent, he cannot legally defend it. On the other hand, patent attorneys who practice in the United States can litigate disputes and represent clients. Logically, it is possible for a patent attorney to also perform the functions of a patent agent, although the reverse cannot be true.
Because there are so many different types of patents available, patent agent jobs tend to be very specific. A patent agent might deal with toy or software patents, but rarely does one agent deal with two different types of patents. This is exactly why potential patent agents often study one type of patent while at university.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, or physics, plus a background in patent law, is required for all prospective patent agent applicants. In the United States, patent agents must also pass the Registration Examination for Practice in Patent Cases (USPTO), which is given by the US Patent and Trademark Office. This exam must be successfully completed before a person can become a patent agent or attorney.
While many patent agent jobs pay quite well, only those agents who find a niche get the best patent positions. Therefore, it is recommended that all aspiring patent agents begin studying and specializing in a unique field prior to university graduation. Specialists in the field of technology patents are often in high demand.
Patent agents usually work in law firms, although some government jobs can also be found. The best way to search for patent agent jobs is through a job placement agency. As with different types of patents, various law firms hire different types of agents and patent attorneys. Therefore, it is helpful to look for a law firm that matches an applicant’s field of patent study.
A great deal of schooling and work experience is required to obtain a patent agent job, although other qualifications are also important to employers. Aside from math and law, patent agent jobs can only be filled by those who have a strong analytical eye and accurate intuition. In addition, patent agents must enjoy research, as much of this occupation involves technical research.
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