A patent attorney deals with obtaining
and enforcing intellectual property rights on behalf of inventors or organisations.
All patent attorneys need a scientific or technical background; a degree in a science,
engineering or technical subject is a pre-requisite. In private practice a broad
scientific background, such as physics or chemistry, is desirable. However in industry,
a subject relevant to your employer’s field of activity (e.g. genetics, biotechnology)
may be an advantage.
A patent attorney must also have the ability to acquire, and enjoyexercising, legal
skills of drafting, analysis and logical thought, and, particularly the skill to
use the English language aptly and accurately, in written work.
In addition, because patents are increasingly international, knowledge of French
and German, although not essential, is highly desirable. Most patent agents also
take examinations to qualify as International patent attorneys in order to broaden
their career opportunities.
|