why be an ip lawyer

by Waino Green 6 min read

As long as invention and innovation exist, IP lawyers will be needed to procure the rights to new ideas and protect the ownership of existing creations. Even recession affects other law practices, intellectual property law typically continues to thrive because people do not stop imagining.

Full Answer

How do you become an IP lawyer?

Intellectual Property law - or, IP - is an important legal area, which finds itself growing in importance on a continual basis. There is a constant evolution of creative ideas in a diverse range of industries, and these are considered property much like estates, or a car. This area of law is responsible for their rights and protection.

How to become an intellectual property lawyer?

Jun 20, 2016 · The intellectual property field is among the most important legal fields in the United States because the involvement of intellectual property attorneys has been integral to the expansion of the economy in this country.

What does an intellectual property attorney do?

Jan 02, 2019 · IP is a relatively specialist area of law and cases are quite complicated so what is key is having a will to understand. You will need an …

What are the best IP law schools?

A basic foundation of IP law is much more important than a knowledge of many specialized areas. You should remember that an IP attorney is still an attorney and should know certain basic areas of law to best serve his/her client. Plus, IP law is ever-changing, both as a result of Congressional amendments, as well as judicial evolution.

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Why do I want to be an IP lawyer?

Association with creativity and innovation. It is undeniable that IP law can expose you to more intellectual and finer aspects of human experience, especially creativity, art, and innovation as opposed say capital markets, project finance, criminal law, or M&A!Oct 24, 2020

What is the main purpose of IP law?

Intellectual Property law deals with laws to protect and enforce rights of the creators and owners of inventions, writing, music, designs and other works, known as the "intellectual property." There are several areas of intellectual property including copyright, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets.

What skills do IP Lawyers Need?

IP attorneys need strong communication skills to talk to clients, judges and other lawyers. Clear communication can help lawyers advise clients and explain legal concepts. If an IP lawyer works in a courtroom, they may also need to develop strong negotiation skills to help them reach legal agreements and settlements.Nov 7, 2021

What does an IP lawyer do on a daily basis?

Intellectual property lawyers counsel their clients on establishing and protecting intellectual capital. Most IP law practices handle matters such as patents, copyright, trademark law, licensing, franchising, distribution, technology transfers, and trade secret projects.Apr 21, 2019

Why is intellectual property valuable?

Although it's an intangible asset, intellectual property can be far more valuable than a company's physical assets. Intellectual property can represent a competitive advantage and as a result, is fiercely guarded and protected by the companies that own the property.

What are the 4 types of intellectual property?

Patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets are valuable assets of the company and understanding how they work and how they are created is critical to knowing how to protect them.Nov 12, 2021

Are patent attorneys clever?

Patent attorneys are extremely intelligent. The ability to get advanced science and engineering degrees is something very few attorneys could do. The ability to get good grades in these disciplines is also something that is extremely difficult to do.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Medical Attorneys Medical lawyers are among the highest-paid types of lawyers and earn one of the highest median salaries in the legal field.

What type of lawyer gets paid the most?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.Dec 18, 2020

Is IP law stressful?

Much of the work IP lawyers do is a far cry from the dramatic courtroom battles seen in movies and television. Rather, most spend time in offices and other locations where they review or produce important documents, conduct interviews, and complete painstaking analyses of often highly technical material.

Is IP law growing?

It's not surprising that law firms specializing in IP filings, enforcement and prosecution are busier than ever. More than 3 million patents were filed in 2017, the eighth consecutive yearly increase. Intellectual property has long been the backbone of innovation.

Is intellectual property a good career?

One of the essential benefits to a career in IP law is its potential to provide exposure to interesting new developments in science, technology, and other disciplines. For people with inquisitive mindsets, intellectual property work can be particularly a compelling discipline and career to pursue.Apr 22, 2021

What is IP law?

An IP lawyer specializes in and practices intellectual property law, which involves rules for securing and enforcing legal rights to inventions, designs, and artwork. The law also secures assets like personal property and real estate.

How do intellectual property lawyers help clients?

Intellectual property lawyers help clients in many different ways, such as: Establishing and protecting intellectual capital. Licensing inventions.

What are some examples of inventions that qualify for patent protection?

The expansion of intellectual property law secures the creations of human thought that feature inventions that qualify for patent protection such as: Literary and creative works like books, performances, music, and artwork. Product names, slogans, logos, and packaging. Symbols, names, pictures, and designs utilized in commerce.

Why do inventors want patents?

Inventors want a patent because of the commercial advantages that come with the right to exclude others. The main reason for researching an invention is because of the fast recovery of the costs or gaining profit from exploiting the invention commercially. One can commercially exploit a patent in two ways:

Why is intellectual property important?

Intellectual property law is very important. Because of developments in science and technology, the demand for lawyers who specialize in this field continues to rise. Intellectual property lawyers help organizations protect the rights of businesses, authors, inventors, musicians, and other artists.

What is trademark law?

Trademark law protects logos, symbols, or phrases used to differentiate products from each other. A trademark holder can go to court and acquire an injunction to prevent the further use of their protected trademark.

Which article of the Constitution gives Congress the right to regulate interstate and foreign commerce?

The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to allow authors and inventors the right to their creations. Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution also gives Congress the right to regulate interstate and foreign commerce. Intellectual Property Law is administered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Copyright Office.

Why is intellectual property important?

The intellectual property field is among the most important legal fields in the United States because the involvement of intellectual property attorneys has been integral to the expansion of the economy in this country. The most demanded specialty of intellectual property law is patent law. For the most part, patent attorneys are exceedingly ...

What is the most demanded specialty of intellectual property law?

The most demanded specialty of intellectual property law is patent law. For the most part, patent attorneys are exceedingly marketable if they have the right backgrounds. This is due to the fact that there are so few of them and that the work they do has been expanding at a rapid pace.

Why are patents important?

Fourth, patents are by far one of the most useful means for protecting intellectual property, and companies are continually investing aggressively in the prosecution of patents. The fact that there are so few patent attorneys compounds the demand for them at most points in time.

What is intellectual property?

Intellectual Property is a Term Encompassing Several Different Fields. On a daily basis, attorneys call us and say they want to do intellectual property law. We are always interested in talking to an attorney with experience in intellectual property law because it is, generally speaking, one of hottest practice areas in the United States.

What is copyright law?

Copyright law protects the creators of expressive works, such as artists, photographers, writers and musicians, and gives them the exclusive right to protect how their works are used. It is important to note that, unlike trademark law, copyright law does not protect names or titles, for example.

What is trademark law?

Licensing. Trademark Law. Trademark law protects words, phrases, logos or symbols used to distinguish one product from another. In circumstances where a competitor uses a protected trademark, the holder of the trademark can go to court and obtain an injunction to stop the use.

What is the greatest demand for attorneys?

In terms of demand, the greatest demand is for attorneys with backgrounds in electrical engineering or computer science. There is also a strong demand for attorneys with biotechnology, biochemistry or organic chemistry backgrounds. The lesser demand is for those with mechanical or chemical backgrounds.

Why do we need IP lawyers?

As long as invention and innovation exist, IP lawyers will be needed to procure the rights to new ideas and protect the ownership of existing creations. Even recession affects other law practices, intellectual property law typically continues to thrive because people do not stop imagining.

What is IP law?

Sally Kane. Updated April 21, 2019. Intellectual property (IP) law is a growing practice area that protects creations of the human mind. These creations might include inventions that qualify for patent protection or literary and artistic works such as books, plays, music, and artwork.

What degree do intellectual property lawyers have?

In addition to all that, most intellectual property lawyers possess scientific, engineering, or technology-related degree s as well. This specialized scientific or technical education and hands-on industry experience can help IP lawyers lend their expertise to a wide range of industries, including biotechnology, pharmaceutical law, ...

Why is intellectual property important?

Intellectual property is an organization's most valuable asset. New developments in science and technology have created the need for lawyers with specialized backgrounds in these areas to help protect the intellectual capital of businesses, authors, inventors, musicians, and other owners of creative works.

Why is IP so well paid?

IP is a very well paid area of work because of the specialized nature of work, the criticality of performance, and rich corporate clients. Indian IP practice prospered after globalization as hordes of international MNCs landed in India to do business thanks to the opened markets.

Do law students like IP?

Many law students and young lawyers are fascinated by the idea of working in IP law. On one count, many of them enjoy reading copyright law or patent law concepts and come to imagine that they will like IP law as a career.

Is IP an international practice?

IP is by nature an international practice. If you are registering a patent, you probably want to cover several major markets around the world. Similarly, if you are looking to register a trademark, especially for a global or international brand, the scope for international work is massive as they probably want to register it in many different countries.

What is IP law?

IP is a relatively specialist area of law and cases are quite complicated so what is key is having a will to understand. You will need an analytical mind, the ability to process heavily technical information and keep on top of it, and be super-organised, particularly when working on litigation at the pan-European level,” Sharp explains. ...

Who is Christopher Sharp?

When a new case comes in “it’s like a big game of chess”, says intellectual property (IP) disputes lawyer Christopher Sharp, a partner at Pinsent Masons. “That’s when we’re really getting under the skin of the case and asking what exactly is the invention we’re trying to protect. We work out our litigation strategy, deciding which countries to litigate in, and in which order. It’s the point where we make most of the interesting tactical decisions.”

Is IP law a foundation?

Reality: FALSE. A basic foundation of IP law is much more important than a knowledge of many specialized areas. You should remember that an IP attorney is still an attorney and should know certain basic areas of law to best serve his/her client.

Is IP part of corporate practice?

Similarly, IP may be part of corporate practice, including a practice devoted to licensing; so, for a corporate career-path, classes focused on commercial transactions would be appropriate. Finally, no matter how many classes you take, there will always be new law. So, a good foundation - of both IP and non-IP courses - in law school is essential.

Does the patent bar get you into the IP arena?

In addition, for those without a science background, the patent bar does not get you entry into the IP arena because a pre-requisite to take the exam is an undergraduate science major, or its equivalent. Myth 11: I must pass the patent bar to get a patent job. Reality: FALSE.

Is it a plus or minus to pass the patent bar?

There are an increasing number of students with science backgrounds who now attend law school – and pass the patent bar. So, while the patent bar may be a “plus” factor, it is only a factor.

Is IP law hot?

It’s true that IP law is considered “hot” and that many firms are adding this to their practice area (or already have such a practice). However, that does not mean that is “easy” to get an IP job – especially if everyone is under the (false) assumption that this is the ideal job. Myth 3: It’s easier to get an IP job if you were an engineer, ...

Is IP only for geeks?

Myth 1: IP is only for geeks, or those who are recovering geeks. Reality: FALSE. IP rights include copyrights, which are owned by pop stars and entertainment companies, ranging from Oprah Winfrey, to Britney Spears and MGM Studios. In addition, IP rights also include trademarks, which are created and used by corporations in all sectors of business;

Do I need to know more science to pass the patent bar?

Myth 12: I need to know more science to pass the patent bar. Reality: FALSE. The patent bar requires that you are technically qualified. However, there is no actual science on the exam. Rather, the patent bar tests knowledge related to the rules and practice of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Why don't law firms hire intellectual property lawyers?

As a result, some law firms will not want to hire you on their intellectual property teams because they want someone who can work across copyright, trademarks, and patents. And that’s about it. Everything else is (at least theoretically) open to you.

Is it necessary to have a patent law background?

No doubt that patent law or a hard-science background would have been useful, but you can survive without. While having a hard-sciences background is beneficial, it is certainly not mandatory. If you’re creative with your job search and willing to go down non-Biglaw firm paths, even more doors will be open. I’ll cover more specifics on that in part ...

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Education and Background

Intellectual Property Law

  • Intellectual property law has six sections: 1. Trademark Law 2. Copyright Law 3. Patent Law 4. Trade Secret Law 5. Licensing 6. Unfair Competition The expansion of intellectual property law secures the creations of human thought that feature inventions that qualify for patent protection such as: 1. Literary and creative works like books, performanc...
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Trademark Law

  • Trademark lawprotects logos, symbols, or phrases used to differentiate products from each other. A trademark holder can go to court and acquire an injunction to prevent the further use of their protected trademark.
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Copyright Law

  • Copyright lawprotects photographers, writers, artists, musicians, and other creators of original works of expression. It offers the unique ability to help creators guard the use of their works. It is very important to understand that, unlike trademark legislation, copyright legislation doesn't protect the title of a specific work, just the content of the work itself. Copyrights last for the lifeti…
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Patent Law

  • The inventor of a product is given every right to use or to sell his inventions. It is protected by a patent. The functional features of a process, machine, manufactured item, asexually reproduced plant, or composition of matter can be protected by patent. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USTPO) will not grant a patent unless it is non-obvious and novel. The USPT…
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Conditions Under Which A Patent Is Granted

  • A patent will be granted if the inventor files within a year of certain acts (by the inventor or others), which place the invention in the hands of the public (i.e., patented or published anywhere in the world, on sale, or in public use within the country). It must be a new, useful, and unobvious invention of proper subject matter. Some foreign countries may not have the one-year grace peri…
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Why Obtain A Patent?

  • Inventors want a patent because of the commercial advantages that come with the right to exclude others. The main reason for researching an invention is because of the fast recovery of the costs or gaining profit from exploiting the invention commercially. One can commercially exploit a patent in two ways: 1. The inventor patents the invention directly to obtain an exclusive …
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How Is A Patent obtained?

  • An inventor can obtain a patent through the United States of Patent and Trademark Office. The inventor must seek help from a patent lawyer before starting a process because of the complex legal rules.
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Trade Secret Law

  • The trade secret laws protect valuable business information that gives an advantage to a company. The information must be unique for consideration as a trade secret. That means that others in the industry mustn't already know this information. If the trade secret owner wants to protect his "secret," the courts will grant protection from spies, competitors, employees, and any…
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Licensing Law

  • A license gives the holder permission to do, own, or use something. Typically, licenses give the license-holder the right to: 1. Breed something that would otherwise be protected. 2. Distribute copies of the work to others by sale, lease, or rental. 3. Display the work. 4. Organize by-product works from the unique work utilizing protected expression from the unique work.
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Why IP Law Is Growing

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Intellectual property is an organization's most valuable asset. New developments in science and technology have created the need for lawyers with specialized backgrounds in these areas to help protect the intellectual capital of businesses, authors, inventors, musicians, and other owners of creative works. In today's com…
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Intellectual Property Crimes

  • The growth of the internet has created a surge in IP crimes, particularly hard goods piracy, internet piracy, and cybersquatting—the abusive registration of trademarks on the Internet. Content protection and electronic rights in the digital age are fast-growing IP niches. China and developing countries are enacting sophisticated laws and paying greater attention to IP enforcement, fuelin…
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IP Law: Job Duties

  • Intellectual property lawyers counsel their clients on establishing and protecting intellectual capital. Most IP law practices handle matters such as patents, copyright, trademark law, licensing, franchising, distribution, technology transfers, and trade secret projects. Intellectual property lawyers also assist in licensing inventions, transferrin...
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Education and Background

  • You'll need a law degree and you'll have to pass the bar in your state. In addition to all that, most intellectual property lawyers possess scientific, engineering, or technology-related degrees as well. This specialized scientific or technical education and hands-on industry experience can help IP lawyers lend their expertise to a wide range of industries, including biotechnology, pharmaceu…
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Earnings Potential

  • As of 2017, the median annual salary for an IP attorney is in excess of $159,000 a year. Of course, this can depend on your location of practice—metropolitan area salaries are typically more—and your reputation and track record, which can make you indispensable to firms and clients. Overall, salaries range from about $142,000 to $173,000.
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