Patent Agents or Patent Attorneys, work in the area of 'Intellectual Property' rights. These rights cover the protection of inventions, designs, ideas and related issues such as copyright, by means of a patent. A patent is a right granted by the Government Patent Office to individuals or companies to protect new innovations.
Patent Agent jobs include, establishing the originality of an invention, idea or design. To achieve this the Patent Agent drafts detailed technical descriptions and definitions; legal drafts are then prepared to secure a patent. Searches are conducted to check the invention against existing patents and the patent attorney must answer challenges from patent examiners, working for the Patent Office.
Patent Agents work also advise the individual or company on legal and technical issues surrounding the patent.
Patents can protect new inventions for a fixed period of time up to a maximum of 20 years. Protection prohibits the use by others, of a particular invention or process; if this is infringed, patent agents work with the inventor on the legal avenues to enforce their rights.
Patent Attorneys can now obtain litigators' rights, which give them the power to represent clients in High Court, either along with or instead of a barrister.
Almost all Patent Agents belong to the Register of Patent Agents and can work within patent departments of large firms, industrial bodies and the Government.
Most Patent Agents now also work in the European patent field as European patent attorneys. Many are also qualified Trademark Attorneys working in trademark law.
If you are looking a patent agent job you should
A mix of these skills would provide a solid foundation for anyone seeking a job as a patent agent
All Patent Agents are required to have a scientific or technical background; in practice this usually means having a science-based or engineering degree qualification. Chemistry, engineering and physics are the most common subjects.
It may be possible to become a patent agent if you are already a qualified solicitor with experience of working in an Intellectual Property department.
All entrants need to be able to read and speak a European language, preferably French or German, although a formal qualification may not be necessary.
Applicants to trainee posts usually have a series of interviews, along with some kind of practical assessment.
Graduates struggling to find a trainee position often study for postgraduate qualifications in science or engineering subjects. They can also make themselves more attractive to employers by taking the Certificate in Intellectual Property, which is offered at several universities. This certificate can be used towards qualification as a Patent Agent.
Trainee Patent Agents must pass two sets of examinations in order to be considered for entry on to the Register of Patent Agents. They must also complete two years practice under professional supervision which is usually done whilst training for the exams.
Professional examinations to become a chartered Patent Agent are made up of two parts: Foundation Papers and Advanced Papers.
Before Patent Agent exams can be taken, it is necessary to gain a post as a technical assistant within the patent department of a firm or organisation. In-house training is given whilst gaining valuable work experience.
Successful completion of certain Intellectual Property Law courses may provide exemption to the Foundation Papers.
Most Patent Agents also aim to qualify as European Patent Attorneys by working towards the European Qualifying Exam. In order to sit the exam, you should have at least three years' experience under the supervision of a registered European Patent Attorney.
There are courses for trainees run in association with the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents including a four-week intensive course concentrating on developing patent drafting skills. The Chartered Institute also runs Professional Development Courses (CPDs) for members.
The Institute was founded in 1882 and was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1891. It represents virtually all the 1,500 registered patent attorneys in the UK whether they practice in industry or in private practice. Total membership is over 3,000 and includes trainee patent attorneys and other professionals with an interest in intellectual property matters.
