Legal

Patent Agents

Patent Agents
Solicitors

Barristers
Legal Executives
Paralegals

Patent agents or patent attorneys advise individuals and organisations on how to secure their rights to intellectual property, principally by obtaining patents for products or registration of designs. Patent agents may work for independent firms of patent agents or in the intellectual property departments of large research and manufacturing organisations.

According to the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents (CIPA) directory, there are 11 firms of patent agents in this region, although some of these have offices in several locations throughout the region.

In order to train as a patent agent you will need to have a good relevant degree in a scientific or technical discipline as well as a proven interest in legal matters and be an excellent verbal and written communicator. Having a second European language can also make you more attractive to potential employers but it's not essential.

Useful links:

Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys

Includes information about careers in patent work and a searchable database of firms of patent agents.