Re: PhD from the UK. How to become US patent agent?

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On 5/13/04, Liz wrote:
> There seems to be plenty of expertise on this board so I
> hope you can help me. I’m a US citizen but have been
> brought up in Europe so I have no experience of the job
> market in the US. That’s why I need advice. I gained a PhD
> in Biochemistry in England and did 3 years of post-doc in
> biophysics in France so I’m fluent in French as well as
> English. I also have a UK law degree but this only part
> qualifies me to be a lawyer in the UK.
>
> Can you advise me on the best way to become a patent agent
> in the US? I have seen that firms take on PhD graduates to
> work as technical advisors while they go to law school. Do
> they expect you to be a qualified patent agent before they
> take you on? How long does it take to learn enough to take
> the Patent bar exam? Would one normally work for a firm in
> order to get experience of drafting patents before taking
> the patent bar?
>
> From your experience how would employers in the US view a
> candidate from Europe? Is it a positive or negative point?
> I appreciate your help.
> Liz

Hi Liz,

Right now patent attorneys/agents with biochem Phd's are in
demand in the US. To become a US patent agent you need to
pass a test administered by the US Patent and Trademark
Office. Look on their Web site. It is www.uspto.gov

Being fluent in foreign languages, particularly Japanes,
Korean, German, or French is a +.

You don't have to have a reg. number to apply for jobs but it
will help.