Patent Attorney
Role Description
Patent attorney assesses whether inventions are new and innovative and thus eligible for patenting. They also act to enforce inventors’ rights if patents are infringed.
Salary
Trainee: £35,100-£40,900
Qualified: £58,800 and £69,700 after 2-3 years and £78,000 with 5 years.
Salaried partner: £115,200.
Equity partner: £150,000-£500,000.
Hours
Generally hours are Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm, but you'll need to work extra hours to meet deadlines.
Prospects
This is a small profession with excellent career prospects, but getting into the profession as a new trainee can be challenging with fierce competition.
Skills Valued by Employers
- Understanding of scientific and technological principles and processes.
- Able to comprehend the invention yourself and explain it to others concisely.
- Communication skills, particularly written skills, to convince the IPO to grant a patent.
- An eye for detail and an analytical mind
- Interpersonal skills for dealing with clients
- The ability to structure a precise, coherent argument
- Confidence, eloquence, and tenacity
- Willingness to get to grips with legal and commercial arguments
- Ability to manage your own workload
- Time management skills
- Readiness to take responsibility.
