Patent Law

Patent Law is a branch of intellectual property law dealing with the ownership of new inventions.

Patent Attorneys assess whether inventions are new and innovative and subsequently help their clients to obtain patents to protect their inventions. Patent Attorneys are often either employed by an intellectual property law firm or work ‘in-house’ within companies. The job requires sound understanding of scientific and technological processes and principles, as well as excellent attention to detail, analytical skills and the ability to explain complex, technical ideas and processes in an accessible way. As a result, a STEM PhD is highly valued in entering the profession and previous legal training is often not required as you will undertake intensive training ‘on-the-job.’

Opportunities exist for PGRs from a wide range of STEM subjects including life sciences, chemistry, engineering, computer science and physics.

Skills required

  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • An understanding of scientific and technological principles and processes
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to express complex technical ideas in a clear and accessible way
  • Analytical skills
  • The ability to structure a precise, coherent argument
  • Resilience and tenacity
  • Self-motivation and the ability to work independently
  • Ability to juggle multiple projects/ clients
  • A willingness to undertake extensive further training and exams

Find out more

  • Patent Attorney job profile: Learn more about what’s involved in working as a Patent Attorney, the skills required and career prospects
  • IP Careers: a comprehensive career guide to jobs in intellectual property

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