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[dbushman]

I just recently passed the registration exam and now need to figure out how to break into the field.  I am currently employed by a large company (not in IP work), however, all their patent work is done in CA, and I live in AZ.  I want to be fiscally responsible for my family, so I have to consider my options carefully.

With that said, what could I expect in terms of compensation?  Or could I even get on with a firm full-time?  I have no prior IP experience aside from the exam.  however, my B.S. is in physics and a masters in a non-tech area,  and I do have over 6.5 years in semiconductors.  

How willing are firms or companies to bring on someone who is a novice and really teach them the ropes?  If someone is really willing to mentor me, I'm willing to commit time to them and make their investment worthwhile.  

Any thoughts?

[Isaac]

I just recently passed the registration exam and now need to figure out how to break into the field.  I am currently employed by a large company (not in IP work), however, all their patent work is done in CA, and I live in AZ.  I want to be fiscally responsible for my family, so I have to consider my options carefully.

While the patent work may all be done in CA, there must be some method of interacting with AZ engineers/scientists to obtain invention disclosure etc.   Does your company have patent facilitators (the position may not have that title) as intermediaries between AZ and CA?

[dbushman]

I don't know what my company has in the way of a go-between person.  I have, however, sent off an email to a manager over the IP area.  Hopefully, I'll get some response.  

Furthermore, as a newbie to patents, how would you work it so that someone is willing to train you?  It seems that all the ads are for 3-5 years experience.

[Isaac]

When I was starting out I hooked up with some solo practitioners to get some experience.   I had technical expertise in areas complementing those of the practitioner, so I did have something to offer other than a chance to mentor.   Of course the fact that I knew the practitioners personally was of some help.

In discussing things with your IP manager, it might be helpful to look at the skill set that patent facilitators, patent engineers, etc. have so you can pitch what you might contribute.  Do some googling to find some job descriptions and see if that turns out to be something your company might need even if they don't have them already.

The idea behind the position is to reduce the workload of the patent practitioner by giving him something in a format he can work with, while efficiently interacting with the inventors to keep them doing their primary job of inventing rather than talking to lawyers.

I don't mean to imply that your job opportunities are limited to what your employer might offer.   I'm just throwing out one possible idea.