Overview

Patent scientists (or patent attorneys) serve a unique role in large agricultural organizations that produce new products. Their responsibility is to evaluate patent validity on new products or services from both a legal and scientific perspective.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Manage intellectual property matters relating to a company’s products or creations
• Perform patent assessments and the drafting of patent applications
• Provide infringement opinions and help to develop patent strategies
• Prosecute patent applications and conduct opposition proceedings
• Evaluation and due diligence of patent licensing and acquisition opportunities
• Control and manage the allocated budget for patent portfolios
• Perform presentations and become involved in intellectual property review meetings
• Support business objectives and counseling inventors in line with areas of commercial focus
• Work closely with and advise scientific researchers, project managers, and heads of business units within the company
• Remain closely involved in negotiation agreements with third parties

What education and training is required?

A master’s or doctorate degree in your preferred field of work (biology, genetics, etc.) is required to become a patent scientist or attorney. You will also need to possess experience in the patent profession or have some level of legal training; a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) is recommended.

To pursue a career as a Patent Scientist:

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, business courses, a focus on the sciences, computer courses, and mathematics.

Typical Employers:

Patent scientists work for large agricultural companies and organizations that are continually achieving discoveries and creating new products.

Future Job Market/Outlook

The future outlook for a patent scientist will be good over the next five years. 

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• National Association of Patent Practitioners
• American Intellectual Property Law Association
• Other organizations pertaining to field of expertise