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.
If you are looking for experienced patent attorneys at a reputable firm you should anticipate hourly rates to be a minimum of $300 per hour in areas outside major metropolitan areas and somewhere between $400 to $700+ per hour in major metropolitan areas. You may also want to consider working with a patent agent. Although patent agents are not attorneys and do not have the same breadth of legal knowledge, there are certainly many competent patent agents and even those with 5+ years of experience generally charge $200 to $400 per hour.