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(Message started by: CompScienceGrad on Dec 14^th, 2006, 4:34pm)

Title: Computer Science
Post by CompScienceGrad on Dec 14^th, 2006, 4:34pm

Greetings:
I have gone thru a lot of messages on this forum and am a little worried about my particular situation.

It seems like the 2 big winners in getting IP jobs are EE graduates and PhD holders in science fields. I have a BS and an MS in Computer Science and have about 7 years of full time work exp. Started of in programming and now in middle management. I am planning to take the patent bar next year and hoping to find a job working as a patent agent and going to law school part time.

Now based on the previous posts, it seems like if you are not an EE or a PhD, you pretty much struggle to find a job as a Patent Agent. Is this true? Can anyone with a CS background (Not Computer Engg. - It is Comp. Sci) or someone who knows of somebody with a CS background fill me in on the prospects of a CS grad with about 7 years of work exp.

Note: I started a second degree a few years ago and will finish up with a second BS in Health Sciences next semester. I am not sure how that will help as it is not a hard science like Bio or Chem.. but it does involve almost 60 credits of Hard Sciences.

Thank You,
CompScienceGrad

Title: Re: Computer Science
Post by Ian on Dec 17^th, 2006, 5:19am

I'm not a patent lawyer, but I'm going to law school and I have a CS degree. To take the patent bar test your CS degree must be accredited by a specific group, I think its ABET? Something like that. Check out

[Wouldn't let me post URL, go to google and search for "Patent bar requirments" and look for uspto links.]

As far as jobs? I live in Boston and my school sent out several requests for firms in the area looking for people with CS's degrees to be tech specs. There were 2-3 in only the first semester. I think it really depends on the area you want to live. If you don't mind moving to find a job then your probably going to be fine.

Title: Re: Computer Science
Post by Kenny H. on Dec 27^th, 2006, 10:50am

Actually, a CS major may still qualify to sit for the patent bar exam without having attended an ABET accredited school. In fact, I have an CS degree w/o accreditation and was just approved by the USPTO to sit for the exam. Look at the USPTO's website for details. Basically, they must review your transcript and course descriptions to determine whether your CS degree meets their criteria. I got an answer in about four weeks. You must also pay $240 in fees to have them evaluate your eligibility.

Title: Re: Computer Science
Post by epluribus on Jan 23^rd, 2007, 3:14pm

on 12/27/06 at 10:50:06, Kenny H. wrote:

Did that include physics/chem credit? From what I understand, you need 8 credits of "hard science" in order to fit into class B, even if you're CompSci.