Looking for a new career? Whether you are changing profession, learning a legal specification, or are leaving school and looking for a college course, this article is for you. Learn about the qualifications and skills you need to become a patent attorney and represent clients in the UK.
A patent attorney is a legal practitioner who specialises in intellectual property rights. This area of the law protects artists’ work from illegal copying and distribution. Patents specifically affect designers and inventors, who create inventions then file for the patent – or rights – to produce that item. A patent protects the design or idea, preventing anyone else from creating a prototype of the same idea before you can release it.
A patent is the legal way of recording who invented what. Patent attorneys cover all areas of business, design, and the arts. From protecting a priceless painting to protecting your patent for a new technology which will revolutionise the manufacturing industry – patents offer legal resolution for disputes over ideas.
The Starting Salary for a Patent Attorney is £27/pa.
If you feel drawn to a career as a patent attorney then you have a long path of learning ahead of you. You can do this in different ways. Attempt to gain a college or university qualification if you are fresh out of high school. If you are experienced in law, taking a specialist college course will help you gain experience. You can apply as a trainee using direct applications to well-known companies. You can even learn through an apprenticeship, as follows.
A Chartered Patent Attorney requires a base degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or technology. You will require a 2:1 or equivalent grade. You can then join a firm as a trainee patent attorney or go on to study courses related to patent law. Areas you might further specialise in through education include electronics, engineering, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
You can take courses in STEM related subjects and progress onto degree level education through an HNC or HND. You might study a PGCert in Intellectual Property Law, or other specialist training courses as you go along. Studying a STEM subject like science or computing to HND level allows you entry to a university course, from whence you can study a postgraduate qualification in Patent Law.
You can start your career in patent law by finding a job as a technical assistant or trainee. True apprenticeships in patent attorney positions are few and far between. Direct application is the better option.
If you are a qualified solicitor with intellectual property rights experience you may apply for roles in patents and learn on the job. The right technical capabilities will always provide you with a good starting point for a career as a patent attorney. This is why internships and training opportunities are so important. Applying directly to the companies in your area can boost your chances of being taken on as an apprentice later.
You will require at lease 2 A levels to enter a degree in a STEM subject. After this, you will need your relevant degree to gain a postgraduate in patent law within your chosen area. There are other skills and qualities you can have outside of your education which will boost your chances of a successful career as a patent attorney.
If you have these capabilities then a career in patent law could be ideal for you.
You will have the following daily responsibilities, should you choose to have a career as a patent attorney:
If you have the meticulous diligence needed to become a successful patent attorney, then you may be promoted within your brand. A good attorney can take the legal lead on big accounts or can become partners in a law firm of their own.
If you can get the grades you require to earn a university degree in a STEM subject, then you can specialise with a post graduate qualification in Patent Law in that area. This may mean studying computing, science, or technology, before you study patent law.
You might also choose to apply directly to companies in the patent law field, asking them to take you on as a trainee. This way you can gain enough on the job experience to progress through training and part-time courses while you work.
Patent law provides rewarding careers with patent attorneys at the forefront of public facing roles. As well as being a rewarding career, every single day will be different. It’s a great choice for long term job opportunities.
