Patent Attorney and Patent Agent Resources

If you are a life science patent attorney or know someone who is, you need to read this article to learn how to take advantage of the current market. READ MORE >

Learn how to prepare for taking the patent bar. Knowing what you are getting into and how to increase your chances of passing it are important to your career. READ MORE >

Prior to the Roberts' Court, it was a rare occurrence for the Supreme Court to hear a case involving intellectual property issues. In the last few years, however, the percentage of intellectual property cases heard by the Supreme Court has more than doubled - and 2013 is no different. In fact, the Court has already granted certiorari to several IP cases. This trend is not really surprising. Technology is ever-advancing and drives our economy. It is difficult for the law to keep up and, evidently, the Supreme Court has determined that some broad ground rules now need to be set. These rules will greatly affect the practice of IP law. READ MORE >

Question:
I am a patent agent who has not yet taken the patent bar exam, but I plan to take it within the next several months. Although I would be a stronger candidate after I (hopefully) pass the patent bar and become a Registered Patent Agent, I want to get started on my job search now. However, I am afraid that if I get rejected by the major law firms that I apply to now, then I may “burn my chances for the future” if I want to again apply to these same firms after I pass the bar exam in a few months. Should I wait on my job search, or is it OK to start it now? READ MORE >

As a legal recruiter who specializes in patent agents, the most important initial issue that I have to address when I first see a resume or speak to a candidate is whether the candidate is viable in the law firm market. This market is highly competitive. Moreover, the patent agent candidates that get hired by the top firms are not necessarily the best and brightest engineers and scientists. The reality is that I have to turn away many eager and highly talented scientists and engineers because they simply don't meet all of the key requirements for a patent agent in the law firm market. The purpose of this article is to help inform current and aspiring patent agents regarding the actual key requirements used by the major law firms in their hiring decisions. There is one last general point to keep in mind. This market is also complex. It is wise to retain the services of a top notch recruiter who is both knowledgeable and experienced with the law firm market. Although beyond the scope of this article, good recruiters bring high value in a professional job search in terms of information, efficiency and effectiveness. READ MORE >

Question:
I'm a first year IP attorney and I have recently been laid off. I'm considering going back to school to get my master's degree in electrical engineering. Would you recommend this? READ MORE >

Question

Before entering law school next Fall, I will have a year of high-tech patent prosecution experience as a patent engineer. How much will this experience benefit me when seeking an IP/Patent associate position with the big firms? Can it make up for not being top of my law school class or not being from a top 25 law school? READ MORE >