A career in intellectual property law is not only for lawyers. With scientific and technical qualifications, you could work as a patent agent or technical advisor for a law firm or as a patent examiner for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- A patent agent is someone who is admitted to practice before the USPTO by passing the Patent Bar Exam.
- A technical advisor is someone who is an expert in a particular field of knowledge.
- A patent attorney is someone who is admitted to practice before the courts of at least one state in the U.S., and who is also admitted to practice before the USPTO.
- A patent examiner is a United States citizen who has a college degree in engineering or science.
If you are considering law school, please visit the Georgia Tech's Law, Science, and Technology program site for support and resources. Also here at Georgia Tech, you have the following opportunities to explore what is like to work as a patent attorney, a patent agent, or a patent examiner.
| Program | Purpose | Frequency | Who to Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Tech/GSU IP Associate Program |
| Ongoing | Chad F. Slieper, J.D. Email: Chad.Slieper@gatech.edu Phone: 404-385-7222 |
| Georgia Tech/GSU IP Career Showcase |
| Annual | Chad F. Slieper, J.D. Brian Giles |
| Southeastern IP Job Fair |
| Annual | Chad F. Slieper, J.D. Amy P. McCarthy |
| Federal Jackets Fellowship |
| Ongoing | Jeff Cullen Assistant Director, Federal Relations Phone: 404-385-0017 Email: jeff.cullen@gatech.edu |