Patent attorney

As a patent attorney, you would:

• meet with inventors or manufacturers
•  research existing patents to check the invention or design is original
•  advise clients about the chances of being granted a patent
•  write detailed legal descriptions of the invention or design - known as a patent draft
•  apply for patents to the UK Intellectual Property Office or European Patent Office
•  answer questions from patent examiners
•  advise clients whose patent rights may have been broken
•  represent clients at court during patent disputes
•  advise on issues like design rights and copyright
•  keep up to date with intellectual property law
•  mentor new trainees

• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• analytical thinking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• maths skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• working towards this role
• applying directly

With experience, you could become an associate or partner in a private practice firm.

In industry, you could move into management or research and development. You could also choose to become a patent examiner with the UK Intellectual Property Office or European Patent Office.

Some patent attorneys also register to do trade mark work.