Patent Lawyer

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A patent lawyer could…

Overview Listen to this section

Microwave ovens, cell phones, video game consoles…all the electronics around you are possible due to technology invented by someone. Inventions can take months, even years of hard work and expense. So how does an inventor make sure that no one else steals their inventions? In this case, patent lawyers are the answer. They work within the legal system to help protect an inventor's original works and stop others from illegally profiting from them. Patent lawyers need to be both technically and legally savvy, knowing not only the law and intellectual property rights, but also understanding the science behind the invention.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Patent Lawyer?

1. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
2. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
3. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
4. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
5. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

6. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
7. Negotiation: ? Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
8. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
9. Persuasion: ? Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
10. Time Management: ? Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Patent Lawyer might do:

• Perform patent searches.
• Advise clients on whether their inventions are patentable.
• Draft patent applications.
• Examine incoming patent applications to determine whether the invention is novel.
• Provide legal advice and counseling on a variety of matters including intellectual property, commercial transactions, product liability, and regulatory compliance.
• Draft technology licenses and develop manufacturing and commercial agreements.
• Litigate in court to protect clients from patent infringement.