For those scientists who wants to stay close to science but don’t want to go into labs, patenting world offers a wide range of rewarding careers which are focused on:
· Writing
· Examining
· Disputing patents
In India, scientists can opt for these positions in an organization:
· IP Researchers/ Patent Analysts
· Patent Engineers
· Patent Examiners
· IP Managers
If scientists pursue a degree in law then they can also work as a Patent Prosecutor/ Attorney. Then in the end there is a position for which a scientist have to clear an exam which is conducted by the Patent office and if a scientist clears it then that scientist gets the position of Patent Agent and his name gets listed in the Register of Patent Agents.
Now let’s know how a scientist can work on different positions that are listed above.
Scientists as IP Researcher/ Patent Analysts
As an analyst or researcher in patenting world, Scientists need to know how different types of searches which are prior art search, patentability search, invalidity search etc. Scientist is required to have a thorough knowledge about the topic. They prepare reports which are portfolios and landscape reports to carry out SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat) analysis and Competitive Intelligence for the organization that they will work for.
Scientists- Patent Engineer
Patent engineer is a patent law professional who is not a lawyer but have complete understanding about patent law and patent application process. They supervise the full life cycle development of all patents and seek out new inventions that are patentable. Patent Engineer interprets and documents the scope of new invention. He also ensures that there is no copyright or patent infringement. For a patent application, patent engineer writes, designs drawings and double checks for accuracy and after that he submits patent application to the patent office.
Scientists -Patent Examiners
Patent examiners assess patent applications and checks that whether the invention is new and not a mere adjustment to something that already exists. For this patent examiners have to carry out patentability searches and novelty searches in different jurisdiction. They also make sure that the application meets the formal requirement of the patent office and is technically sound. They develop specialist expertise within a particular area but there may be chances to change specialist subject areas.
Scientists-IP Managers
IP Manager manages a team of IP researchers and Patent analysts and also strategizes that how to use intellectual property of an organization in the world. IP Managers are the one who tells an organization where to focus and what are the weak points of the organization regarding patentable subject matter as well as patents.
Scientists- Patent Agents
Patent Agents are not lawyers but they can prosecute a patent related case in patent office. In order to become a registered patent agent, scientist have to submit a written application and fee and provide a proof of scientific or technical training, pass an examination and demonstrate good moral character and reputation. Patent agents find roles in law firms, corporations and universities. In law firms they provide legal services like application drafting, prosecution and other support services. In corporations they analyze inventions, works with inventors to protect invention, draft and prosecute patent applications. In universities, they help to obtain patents on faculty inventions and license those patents to generate revenue for the university.
Scientists as Patent Attorneys/ Prosecutors
Patent attorneys/ prosecutors provide legal advice to inventors regarding patent laws for inventions. They interpret patent laws and prepare as well as submit patent application to patent office. They also represent clients in courts involving patents, trademark and copyright infringements.
In the end we can say that the scientist who wants to stay close to cutting-edge science without being restricted to labs and without even restricted to one stream should be a part of patenting world because it provides not only a stable job but also economic prosperity to the individual.
“In science, to me it was very black and white — either the experiments work, or they don’t — whereas when I started getting into the