According to WIPO, World Intellectual Property Organization, defines IP or Intellectual Property as “the property represented by the product emanating from creativity of the human mind, human intellect and creative ideas. It can be an invention, original designs, trademark, literary, artistic works, symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce.” Recent fact tells us that Indian economy is rapidly increasing patent filing and intellectual property rights issues are on increase too. Hence the market is demanding for IP professionals. The growing importance of intellectual property rights both in national and international arena has evoked keen interest among policy makers, inventors but unfortunately there is lack of guidance among students graduating from science background. about career prospects. So we are trying to bring some key findings in the area.
Pattern of Examination
Patent Agent Examination consists of two written papers and followed by an interview. Paper 1 is based on India patentact 1p43_hammer970 and is objective base in form of fill in the blanks, match the following, short answers etc. Paper 2 is based on case studies and application of Indian Patent act 1970 in various areas case studies. It consists of drafting section which involves patent drafting of invention related to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, mechanical, electronics etc. Drafting section involves application of technical knowledge. Paper 3 consist of interview by panel of IPR experts. Interview is held at Patent Offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai. Each paper consist of 100 marks and to qualify as Patent Agent person need to get minimum 50% marks in each paper and aggregate 60% marks.
Myth: IPR is for lawyer
Fact : IPR requires science graduates. Only Science graduates are eligiable to become patent agent and lawyers.
Myth : India is lacking in R&d , so patent activity is law.
Fact : According to Indian Patent office Report, the total no. of patents files in year 2008 are 16,061. There is 5% increce
as compare to 2007.
Myth : IPR Jobs are present in law firms.
Fact : Every Company doing research and development has IPR cells. Example : Healthcare companie,IITs,CSIR,
and IT companies.
Quality of IPR Professionals
To become successful as IPR Professional, should have good knowledge of IPR and scientific technology. The internals and workings of technology, products and processes would come handy while handling IPR cases. Knowledge of technology is more important than the law itself as patent agent needs to understand the invention before filing and drafting the claims. Before filing and drafting the claims Good technical knowledge will only help patent agent to make more valid claims of the invention.
Career in IPR :
With the spread of IPR awareness in the corporate world and with growing innovations in scientific world IPR as career has taken a boom. IPR professionals are also being of organizations like Law Firms, Government and self supported Think Tanks, Law Enforcing bodies and universities.
Corporate world :
All corporate houses engaging into innovative business has IPR cell .Big MNC’s like Google, Microsoft whose products are frequently made innovation in their products, so they are emerging as biggest patent filers on international level.
Faculty at Law schools :
IPR is growing field IPR Professionals will be required to teach upcoming generations, there is an increasing for faculties in old as well as newly established law schools undoubtedly.
IPR Education for Professionals :
Indian Institute Of Patent and Trademark Attorney is one of the pioneer institutes providing various programs for IPR education. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognized Indian or Foreign University. Candidates in the final year or pursuing Bachelor’s Degree Course may also apply.
Law firms :
Most of the law firms, especially in developed and emerging economies like the US, EU, India and China has specialized divisions that cater to litigations concerning offers better learning opportunities as compared to an in house corporate legal team. In general, a law firm offers better compensation as well as growth opportunities. In the same lines, the work pressure is quite higher in a law firm as compared to a corporate legal team.
IPR in Government field :
Government agencies and policy making bodies are one of the most prolific employers of IPR attorneys. One of the most obvious agencies is the Patent
and One of the most obvious agencies is the Patent and Copyright office of any country. Apart from this, in general, other departments like Justice, Commerce, Defense, and Information Technology also employ IPR Professionals.
Universities and Independent
Research Organizations :
Government sponsored research projects to many institute and agencies. These projects invariably involve innovation in cutting edge technologies, and hence most universities have an in house cell of IPR Professionals that help them protect their interests. With the increasing frequency of technology startups originating from university campuses, the legal department of universities has its hands full trying to protect the intellectual capital of these start ups.