Patent Agent with B.S. ???

[jalden]

I have solid grades and have taken 27 credits in biology and 12 credits in chemistry.  I started out as a psychology major who wanted to do research and switched to cell biology.  I don't think I'm interested in working in healthcare, and I still have a year and a half left until graduation.

I have fairly extensive research experience under a professor (I'm one of two undergraduates working for him).  Although, unfortunately I don't think I'm going to be getting my name on any papers.  Would I be able to get into this field with a B.S. if I passed the bar?  Another thing to consider is that there is a surprisingly inexpensive law school in my state. If I can get into this field without a masters I think that is what I want to do.  But if I need the masters I think I might as well go to law school.

So... what are my prospects with a B.S.? If not, would it be smarter to try to pass the patent bar before or after starting law school? 

Should I do none of the above?

thanks,

[bleedingpen]

The life sciences field really seems to want MS or PhDs. 

[Wiscagent]

It would be difficult to break into the field with only a BS in science.

I have a BS in chemistry, but no advanced degree.  But I also had some graduate school, about 30 years of industrial experience, courses in patent law, and other relevant experience before making the move to a full-time patent agent.

I'm guessing that most patent agents with a BS in science and no graduate degrees have similar stories.

[MolecularAgent66076]

I have a B.S. in Molecular Biology and have been working in research for almost 10 years.  Early on, I decided I didn't want to go to graduate school because I did not want to become a PI, nor wanted to teach.  If I had known of non-PI, non-professorial paths for Ph.D. then, I would have gone to graduate school.  I don't want to go get a Ph.D. anymore; it sounds like torture.
I decided to be a Patent Agent anyway and will be taking the Patent Bar later in the month.  I don't know what prospects lie for me in the IP field with a B.S.+10 years research experience+a few papers as second author.  I am willing to give it a shot.
I may think of going to law school if I don't get anything after trying considerably.  There are a couple of law schools in my city, but they are quite competitive and not inexpensive.
We'll see...Maybe a small IP firm will hire me as an agent?

[jalden]

So... If I went to law school would I be able to get into this field with a B.S.?

[klaviernista]

So... If I went to law school would I be able to get into this field with a B.S.?

It is possible . . . just more difficult.  It will be particularly difficult for you since your degree is bio oriented, because most bio clients want PhD's working on their apps whenever possible. 

Of course, these comments relate to patent proseuction and not patent litigation.  There are many attorneys practicing patent litigation who have no science background whatsoever.

To add to the comments above, I have a BS in chemistry and broke into the field by working at the PTO.  You could try the same, but I think even the PTO wants Bio examiners to have some form of an advanced degree.

[MolecularAgent66076]

Thanks klaviernista for your input.  I intend to go for Patent Agent once I pass the Patent Bar.  I have noticed that an advanced degree is preferred or even required to break in as a Patent Agent.  I know it's going to be difficult finding something, but hopefully I can go on a decade worth of experience in critical thinking and problem-solving as well as publications in peer-reviewed journals.  Keeping my fingers crossed....for passing the Patent Bar as well as job prospects.

If jalden is still an undergraduate, s/he should seriously consider going to grad school and/or law school, depending on career goals.

[jalden]

So grad school to patent agent or law school to patent litigation? Both of those sound interesting to me. I would probably need to do both if I wanted to become a patent attorney?

[cranky75]

You can always try to do a PhD or MS part time while working.  I am sure it is tough but certainly possible.  I know several folks that went this route and completed a PhD while working full time.  They didn't have to live like a pauper for 4-5 years either.  There are universities in almost every major metropolitan area that has some sort of part time PhD program.

The trade off is that prestigous schools or labs typically do not have such program, unless you can convince them otherwise; additionally this route can take more than 7-9 years to complete!  Depending on your work and thesis some of these places allow you to use your work research to supplement the data.  I know Schering (while it existed) had a policy of allowing their PhD seeking employees to take a year off and just work on their research at the institution, with the job protected when you return.

I did mine full time, and personally would not do it part time, but the option exist for those who may want to.  Plus working allows you to network within and outside the company. 

[klaviernista]

So grad school to patent agent or law school to patent litigation? Both of those sound interesting to me. I would probably need to do both if I wanted to become a patent attorney?

No.  You only need to pass the patent bar and a state bar exam to become a "patent attorney."  Your BS should allow you to take the patent bar as is.  You would likely be limited to patent litigation in your field without a grad degree.

[jalden]

Okay.Thanks Klaviernista.