Patent Lawyer Salary
Before we dive into the specifics of what an average patent lawyer salary is in the United States, let’s take a look at it’s job description. For inventors to go through the full process of getting a recognized patent can be a difficult and complicated one. A patent lawyer will often be called upon during the patent making process in a variety of ways.
They can help their clients (often the inventors themselves), properly follow the application process, help their client prepare patent applications, do any research into whether a patent already exists for their proposed invention and pursue legal action against or defend against any claims of patent infringement.
Of course, a patent lawyer will need to be well versed in all the intricacies of patent law and often work for law firms, corporations and or government agencies and organizations.
Patent Lawyer Salary
As with most jobs, salary will depend on a variety of factors such as education completed, area of patent expertise (certain fields tend to pay more), area of the country, type of organization and more. Having said that the average patent lawyer salary in the United States is $144,266 a year. (SOURCE: Salary.com)
Education and Training Needed To Become A Patent Lawyer
Those who are interested in becoming patent lawyer’s almost always first earn a bachelor’s degree in either engineering or science. These can include a wide range of fields such as engineering, chemistry, biology, computer science and many others. This undergraduate study can help them specialize their services once they are full patent attorneys.
Following their undergraduate studies, prospective patent lawyers must then complete law school, get their JD and pass their states’ bar exam.
After successfully passing the bar, lawyers will then have to take and pass the United States Patent and Trademark Office registration exam. Once this completed they have become full fledged patent lawyers.
Job Growth Outlook for Patent Lawyers
Because of the location of the US Patent and Trademark Office, the mecca of patent law is Washington DC with New York City being the other major patent city. Both cities maintain by far the largest number of patent lawyers in the country. While these are the centers of patent law, they may not be the easiest place to get started as a fresh attorney as competition can be fierce there. Most new patent attorneys will find it easier to begin practicing in smaller markets.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for lawyers in general is expected to grow at a rate of 13% which is about average for jobs in the U.S. As stated earlier, patent lawyer jobs will be more readily available in areas outside DC and NYC.
A career in patent law can be a rewarding and interesting way to combine both a passion for law and a passion for technical or scientific fields. The next step is to do some further research online into education and training offered in your state or online.
Related posts: