Re: Can a Biochemistry PhD pass the April patent agent exam in if they begin studing now?

Subject: Re: Re: Can a Biochemistry PhD pass the April patent agent exam in if they begin studing now?

Comments:
: Hi Pat, : 6 months should be more than enough time for just about anybody. It's really not that difficult. : The exam really tests your familiarity with the laws, rules, and procedure of patent prosecution. It doesn't test technical ability. Fortunately, the body of law, rules, and procedure isn't that big. It's a cake-walk compared to the California bar exam. : Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I had the benefit of a full legal education and nearly a year of prosecuting patents (papers reviewed and signed by more senior attorneys) when I took it. But then I studied for no more than about one month. : Your idea of self-study first is probably a good one. Your studies will make more sense and be easier to understand with a general understanding of what happens in the Patent Office and what the arguments are all about. : As for general thoughts on your career idea, I can't really speak with much insight about biochemistry -- a far cry from my background in computer science. However, I don't see what patents have to do with a regulatory department. Patents really aren't part of any regulatory scheme. : One last thought: biotech patents are hot right now (more so than software and e-commerce -- but I'm hoping that will change soon). And the sophistication of biotech inventions are such that a masters degree seems to be a bare minimum requirement and PhDs are really preferred for biotech patent attorneys. If you change your mind and decide to go the route of a patent attorney rather than agent, you might find yourself to be quite marketable. Even as a patent agent with your PhD, you won't have to look too hard for a decent job. You might take a peek at law firms looking to expand their biotech patent practices (as an agent or an attorney). : I hope that helps. : Regards. : : : I thought I could begin a course of self study now and then enroll in a review course before the exam in April 2004. However after looking through this forum I've begun to doubt the feasiblity of this plan. Is some formal training in the law a practical requirment to pass the patent agent exam? My goal is to join a Pharma company in the regulatory department. I do not want to be an attorney. I want to stay in the scientific arena if I can. Can anyone offer some advice about the exam and my career goal? Thank you.

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