How Can New Graduates Obtain Patent Agent Jobs?

New college students may be wondering what it takes to qualify for patent agent jobs, as such positions can be quite lucrative. Such agents process and put together the documents needed for a person to receive patent protection for his or her cherished invention. While the goal of becoming such an agent is most definitely a worthy one, it does involve a lot of steps.

To begin, those looking to obtain patent deputy jobs must have a bachelor's degree. The degree must be in a field that is approved by the US Patent and Trademark Office. These fields include physics, biology, computer science, computer engineering, and more. A person who majored in any of these fields (a full listing of approved disciplines can be located on the US Patent and Trademark Office's website) and achieved a bachelor's degree will be considered what is known as a Category A applicant for a job as a patent professional.


It should be noted that those looking for jobs as patent professionals do not necessarily need to have a bachelor's degree in one of the areas approved by the US Patent and Trademark Office. They can apply as Category B or C applicants if they do not possess a bachelor's degree in an approved area. Category B or C applicants will either need to go for more training or be able to prove to the US Patent and Trademark Office that they have the technical skills necessary to be an effective patent agent.

On top of having the right academic background, those wishing to obtain jobs as agents in the field of patents need to be US citizens, foreigners, or alien residents who are in good standing. They also need to be in good moral standing. If an applicant was previously disclosed to have committed a felony, he or she must show proof of being rehabilitated.


After reviewing all of the requirements needed to obtain patent agent jobs, applicants must start studying for the Bar Exam for patent professionals. There are many tools available online which will help students to prepare for this test, and these include old exams. The US Patent and Trademark Service site also has some very useful information which will aid people in preparing for the examination.

The final steps that need to be taken for people who wish to eventually land jobs as agents working on patents are to fill out an application for the Patent Bar Exam and then to actually schedule a date to take the test. Upon passing the examination, a person will become a patent deputy.

Once a person becomes an agent in the patent field, one of the best places to search for jobs is the Internet. Job websites are useful, as are search engines where a person can look up law firms in his or her town that may be in need of patent professionals.

In conclusion, a patent agent processes and prepares the documents needed to offer protection to an individual's patent. Obtaining such a job involves a number of steps, and the Internet is a good source of jobs once an individual ultimately becomes an agent.