Patent Agent

[Sho'Nuff]

Originally posted by: blue703
I heard that the USPTO is hiring a lot of entry level patent examiners this year. You might want to look at the positions at usajobs.gov

The USPTO is on an initiative to hire something like 1200 new examiners each year for the next 3-4 years. They will hire just about anyone with a pulse and a technical degree. Not to bash examiners. They have a tough job. But there is something to be said for quality over quantity.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Originally posted by: senseamp

I evaluated patent agent option a few years back and my conclusion was that engineer will make same or more money than a patent agent and do more interesting work with better hours.

This is sound advice.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Originally posted by: magreen

For example, I'm considering Boston. I'd like to go to Harvard. But I know realistically I can't be guaranteed to get in (esp. since I don't have an lsat score yet!). BU and BC both have 20-something ratings and strong IP law programs. Would those be acceptable choices if I don't get accepted to Harvard?.

I know you recommended I look at IP firms' web pages. Can you recommend some IP firms in Boston for me to look at? I'm not familiar enough with them. Thanks!

My firm has hired several people who have graduated from BU and Suffolk. There is no need to go to Harvard to get into patent law (in fact, I would say you might be better off going to BC or BU if they have better patent rankings than Harvard).

Some firms to look at (I neither confirm or deny affiliation with any of these firms):

Oblon Spivak
Fish and Richardson
Lowry Lando
Finnegan Henderson
Wolfe Greenfield
Lahive Cockfield
Banner and Witcoff
Choate Hall
(these are only a few)

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Originally posted by: magreen

Originally posted by: magreen
I'd like to become a patent attorney. I have a degree in physics from MIT and am studying for the lsat now. Any advice for me from all of you pros?

Some more detailed questions I have for you patent attorneys about it:

I read this link: Text

some points that stood out to me:
- employers (at least that one) don't give a damn how good your law school was in patent law. They care about the name of the school, since you actually learn everything you need to know on the job.
- it seems like you have to have a real jaw dropping resume (e.g. the H-bomb) to get hired in patent law.

Are these true? Is it worth going to a law school ranked 20th or do you have to have a T14, T7 or perhaps only a T3 school to make a good career in patent law?

thanks.

A good school helps, but a good school that has a good patent program (e.g., GW) helps more.

Jaw dropping resumes are becoming more common around my office, though I can say for certain that they are not necessary to get hired.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Originally posted by: Dirigible

Originally posted by: magreen

Originally posted by: magreen
I'd like to become a patent attorney. I have a degree in physics from MIT and am studying for the lsat now. Any advice for me from all of you pros?

Some more detailed questions I have for you patent attorneys about it:

I read this link: Text

some points that stood out to me:
- employers (at least that one) don't give a damn how good your law school was in patent law. They care about the name of the school, since you actually learn everything you need to know on the job.
- it seems like you have to have a real jaw dropping resume (e.g. the H-bomb) to get hired in patent law.

Are these true? Is it worth going to a law school ranked 20th or do you have to have a T14, T7 or perhaps only a T3 school to make a good career in patent law?

thanks.

Take a look at the web sites at firms you may want to join (assuming you want to work at a firm). Look at the bios of the patent attorneys there and see where they went to school. That should give you a much better idea than I could.

Tech experience and education can make up *somewhat* for a poorer school. You still need to get past the employer's first screening of resumes so you can actually talk to them.

In my (admittedly limited) experience, education and experience can make all the difference in an IP candidate. These days I doubt a firm will care where a candidate with an EE went to law school.

 

[magreen]

Thank you so much for all the great suggestions and insights! Now I have some research to do and plenty to think about.
I'll check back in when I have more questions.
Thanks!