Surprising Details of How I Became a Patent Attorney

[@PatentsDemystified]

Want more patent career videos? Check out my full playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLp15JXznBjPWV7v0dD50ZdOvPfXMuo_yN

[@autumn_b905]

You are really smart. You make it sound so easy 😔

[@PatentsDemystified]

I don't know about all that - a lot of how I got to where I am now was just plain luck. :)

[@bennunezmusiclessons]

Great story of the early days of your career. Would really like to hear your band!

[@PatentsDemystified]

Thanks! Here is a music video that our label produced for one of our songs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3avha2loqmhjac Keep in mind this was about 25 years ago when making videos was extremely expensive and required lots of specialized gear. Funny how this cost our label about $30k+ to make and now folks could probably do this with a cell phone. Good times!

[@Jose-v8r]

Hi Dillon, I found this interesting! Could you share with me how you figured out to write the patents effectively when you first starter working on your career as a patent agent during law school?

[@PatentsDemystified]

Yea, the patent bar absolutely does not prepare you for a patent practice and just tests you on patent law and rules related to filing patent applications. There aren't a lot of good resources out there to get you up to speed if you are on your own, and honestly, I started with a copy of Patent It Yourself (amzn.to/3LjxDtT). Also, I wrote my book (amzn.to/4bIT9CQ) to be a guide to the patent process that new patent attorneys and agents can use to understand the basics of patent strategy and my firm along with many others use it as an introductory text for new patent attorneys and agents. I wish I had a guide like that when I was starting out.

[@raulaquino468]

Your story is so inspiring, thank you.

[@PatentsDemystified]

Thanks, Raul. So glad to hear you got some value out of this video!

[@CagedPhoenixThe1st]

If i have an idea (with materials and how to make it mapped out) and wanted to sell it for percentage of each unit sold, is it too much to ask if i can get the most percentage out of it or at least the equivalent of whoever (?) does get the highest percentage off each unit.?

[@PatentsDemystified]

It’s really hard to say. Depends on a lot of specific details of the situation.

[@CagedPhoenixThe1st]

@@PatentsDemystified but it's possible? 👀 👀 Thanks for the reply

[@PatentsDemystified]

Yes, it’s possible.

[@christophersams304]

Just curious for your opinions on a Chemistry BS with a few years pharma research experience / published papers and some in biotech. Looking to pursue patent examiner, patent bar, and then law school. I am worried the life sciences degree with no PhD will be a hinderance, any overall advice, become patent agent or examiner and stay there, or like you pursue an engineering master?

[@PatentsDemystified]

Having some research experience and starting out as a patent examiner will definitely help you stand out as a job candidate and might be enough to overcome just having a chemistry BS. Former examiners tend to be sought after because they have inside knowledge of how the USPTO and examination process works. My suggestion would be to move forward with taking the patent bar and becoming an examiner and see how the job market is after a few years at the USPTO. The good thing is that you can take your time trying to find a job and can wait out a down market if there happens to be one. You can always go back and get a masters in engineering later if necessary, but I wouldn't suggest doing it now. This video has a bit more on different degrees and how the effect your job prospects: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWXNYX6Fic-knrM

[@iamonthecan12]

So I have a Biology B.S. degree and I've looked at many of the patent agent job positions around the US related to the life Sciences and pretty they only want MS or PhD. Is that 1) True from your POV, and 2) was that the case when you were looking for patent agent work? Right now I'm looking at either being a patent agent or being a patent examiner.

[@PatentsDemystified]

That was definitely the case when I was looking for work as an agent and attorney and is exactly why I went back to school to get my MSEE on top of a biochem undergrad. It probably a bit easier today but just a BS, but could still be tough. Shouldn’t be a problem if you want to be an examiner though. Here is the video on my experience with becoming a patent attorney starting out with just a biochemistry degree: Surprising Details of How I Became a Patent Attorney kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5ild6x-padpl6M

[@raulaquino468]

I'm in my mid 30's but interested in becoming a Paten Attorney. Getting a Bachelors degree in Applied Mathematics would allow me to sit for the paten bar?

[@PatentsDemystified]

Possibly, depending on your course work, but not automatically. This video has more on qualifying for the patent bar: The Best Technical Background to Become a Patent Attorney kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWXNYX6Fic-knrM also, here are the specifics on how to qualify: www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/OED_GRB.pdf

[@raulaquino468]

@@PatentsDemystified thank you

[@PatentsDemystified]

You bet. Glad to help.

[@ljthirtyfiver]

Hello Dylan …I’m Interested in becoming a patent agent. But i am not an engineer but do work in a stem field (pilot with a bachelor’s in aeronautical science) . Would I be able to start the process with that background?

[@PatentsDemystified]

Hi LJ, check out this video with details on how to qualify for the patent bar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHLIpYeefrWjg68 You wouldn't automatically qualify with a degree in Aeronautical Science under Category A, but you might be able to qualify under category B or C depending on your course work and other qualifications. More detail can be found at the USPTO here: www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/OED_GRB.pdf

[@ljthirtyfiver]

@@PatentsDemystified thank you for the info. You’re awesome

[@PatentsDemystified]

You bet. Glad to help.

[@liliansimonian8440]

Can you please share what study guide you used for studying for the Patent Bar? I’ve heard about PLI but I’m still exploring.

[@PatentsDemystified]

PLI is really good and I would definitely recommend it if you can afford it. I used PatBar.com because it was cheaper and was a self-study course, which is more my style of learning.

[@lynnelindsey4043]

What school did you attend for your masters?

[@PatentsDemystified]

I got my masters in EE at the University of Washington here in Seattle.