This profession, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, has an above average 19% 10-year job growth expectation and a median salary of $72,520 per year. It is recognized as #2 in U.S. News and World Reportâs Best Health Care Support Jobs.
Essential Information. Patent lawyers work in the specialty field of law governing intellectual property, specifically patents. Patent lawyers represent inventors during the patent application process and can function as litigators to protect their clients' rights of invention. Like other types of lawyers, patent lawyers must complete law school and earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.). In addition to passing their state bar exam to earn licensure, patent lawyers who want to argue before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) must pass an additional USPTO licensing exam.
1 However, where you go to law school does not dictate which bar exam you can take. 2  For example, you could attend the Ohio State Moritz College of Law, pass the bar exam in New York, and then practice as a lawyer in New York. Take and pass the state bar exam in the state where you want to practice as a lawyer. 2  Lawyers must pass a state bar exam to be licensed in that state. 3  Being licensed in a state means you have successfully graduated from a law school, passed that stateâs bar exam, and can now charge others for your legal advice.