Innovative works are occurring all the time and it is the duty of a patent lawyer to examine whether the creations are novel and innovative and eligible to get patented. With a combined knowledge of law, science and language, patent lawyers carry out their tasks. Certain skills also help them in accomplishing their duties. Such professionals help companies as well as individual inventors navigate through the complex process to receive a patent. In case patents are violated, they work to put the inventor’s rights into effect.  Government grants patents that provide the inventors with the rights to thwart others from making a copy of their creation for up to twenty years. Do you know in the UK, most patent lawyers work in the private sector?  Some patent lawyers work in large manufacturing companies across different industries while others are employed in the public sector.

As a patent lawyer, you require being trained and specialised in a wide range of intellectual property rights. This is because you will be required to give suggestions regarding several relevant issues. It is worth mentioning that the rights of a patent lawyer are same as that of a solicitor or a barrister when it comes to conducting litigation and performing as an advocate in the Patents County Court. Patent agents, patent lawyers are known by this name also.

The responsibilities of a patent lawyer depend on whether the lawyer works in a large manufacturing company or offering legal help to private clients. However, the typical duties of a patent lawyer involve the following:

• Discuss about inventions and patent application processes with inventors or manufacturers and determine whether they will be granted patents
• Study and analyse scientific and technical documents (this may include formerly granted patents) in order to examine whether a creation is original and novel
• Write exhaustive descriptions of creations in correct legal terms
• Suggest extensions or modifications to the definition of the creation
• Apply for patents from the Intellectual Property Office (IPO)  and the European Patent Office (EPO), and present crucial technical arguments if necessary
• Respond to reports generated by patent examiners
• Make sure that the deadlines for application and renewal are fulfilled
• Work closely with barristers and solicitors to secure or implement UK patents
• Carry out litigation in trials in the Patents County Court or at the EPO
• Give advice to the alien agents regarding applications for overseas patent applications;
• Offer advice on whether business activities will violate the patent rights of others
• Work on the patent assignments at the time of selling or transferring a patent
• Stay updated with the recent legal developments in the field of intellectual property (IP) law
• Suggest on other IP rights like trademarks and designs
• Train and guide trainee patent agents

These are the duties and responsibilities that you need to fulfil when you become a patent lawyer.

Requirements - A law degree and then, a degree in a technical or science discipline are the academic qualifications required for this job. Make sure that the university from where you pursue your degrees is accredited. Advanced qualifications are not must but having an advanced degree is always favourable for climbing the career heights.

Salary and working conditions - trainee patent lawyers can expect to earn near about £30,000 per year. The annual salary of a just qualified patent lawyer ranges between £50,000 and £60,000. Those who are involved in private practice receive something between £100,000 and £400,000. Along with salary, there are bonuses in  intellectual property jobs based on the performance.

Working hours are from 9 a,m. to 5 p.m five days a week. In case there are deadlines to be fulfilled, a patent lawyer may have to work beyond the usual working hours.