Electrical Engineering major interested in becoming a Patent Lawyer

Electrical Engineering and Patent Law IP

Patent Prosecutors: You focus on a very small set of legal issues (e.g., whether an invention is obvious) but you are exposed to a lot of engineering issues and technologies.  Is the interaction between applicants and their representatives, and a patent office with regard to a patent, or an application for a patent. Broadly, patent prosecution can be split into pre-grant prosecution, which involves negotiation with a patent office for the grant of a patent, and post-grant prosecution, which involves issues such as post-grant amendment and opposition.

Patent Litigators/Licensors: Arguing in court is relatively rare.  You spend most of the time analyzing issues, writing, and discussing strategies with clients/colleagues. You typically work on big, long-term projects that can last from a few months to a few years. Patent litigation describes legal action relating to the infringement of patents.  Patent infringement is the commission of a prohibited act with respect to a patented invention without permission from the patent holder. Permission may typically be granted in the form of a license. The definition of patent infringement may vary by jurisdiction, but it typically includes using or selling the patented invention. In many countries, a use is required to be commercial (or to have a commercial purpose) to constitute patent infringement.

The scope of the patented invention or the extent of protection is defined in the claims of the granted patent. In other words, the terms of the claims inform the public of what is not allowed without the permission of the patent holder.

Electrical Engineering course suggestions:

For Electrical Engineering courses, you want to build a broad background in all areas as undergraduate students. If you want to specialize in specific area, you can select to attend graduate school and gain more knowledge in that area by earning a master’s or PH.D.  Further education is required, admission and graduation from Law School is required. (3 years in length)

Skill Set/Non-Engineering course suggestions:

Critical Thinking skills plus the ability to work independently and multi-task

Communication and Written skills: Communication Studies minor, AEC3033C/SPC2608 or ENC3246

Ability to work independently and multi-task

Leadership skills:  Engineering Leadership Certificate