Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Dr._A_Sinha]

I have a PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry from US univ. and 4 years of post doctoral experience (both university and industry), worked in biotech/immunodiagnostic industry for 9 years as sr. scientist and then in software/broadband area as staff engineer for another 7 years.

I have 2 patents in immunodiagnostic field working with monoclonal antibodies etc. and several patent applications. Now teaching in university on part time basis I am also looking in IP field. A friend strongly suggested getting a law degree (understandable). But is there a way to get into this profession based on PhD, post-doc, work experince, patents etc that I already have (and then may be get the degree afterwards-  from an on-line law school like Concord)? Thank you.

A.Sinha

[M. Arthur Auslander]

Dear R._A_Sinha,

It looks as if you qualify to take the patent bar and become a patent agent. If you had a law degree you could become a registed patent attorney.

Either as agent or attorney if you are admitted to practice before the Patent Office you could service clients.

The world is your oyster, you can get clients or work in the field. Private practice is great but you have to get the clients.

[JimIvey]

Dear Dr. Sinha,

Your technical credentials seem to be about as good as they get.  You could probably start work tomorrow in a prestigious law firm if they had need for a biotech patent agent.  Some firms focus on representing life science clients.  Cooley Godward in Palo Alto, CA is (was?) one.  Many life sciences companies hire in-house counsel.  A friend of mine from law school used to work at Genentec.  

I'd recommend introducing yourself to someone who, like you, has a PhD and works in IP in the life sciences.  They can really tell you how much a law degree means and to what degree the pedigree of the law school matters.  Life sciences is a specialty within the specialty of patent law and you should seek out more specific answers that I think you'll find here.

Assuming you can write half-way well, you won't have any trouble finding work in this industry.

Good luck!

[eric stasik]

Dear Dr. Sinha,

I agree with Mr. Ivey that you should not have any trouble finding work.

Your short term goal should be to pass the USPTOs attorney/agent exam and get yourself registered as an agent. If you managed physical chemistry, the USPTO exam should be a piece of cake.

With your registration in hand, and with your background in life sciences you should have no problem finding work with a company, or firm, who would sponsor law school while you worked full time. I know several people who are doing this and despite the hard work, they seem pleased with their situation. You are in a strong position to negotiate with firms/companies so find the one willing to give you the best deal.

Also with your strong technical background, having a degree from a top-tier law school is probably less valuable to you. It won't open many more doors than will already be open for you.

Good Luck!

/Eric

[Dr._A_Sinha]

Thank you, gentelmen, for your reponses.

I am in the Bay area (San Jose/San Francisco) and would be looking for a IP group here. I would be searching for USPTOs attorney/agent exam materials and related advice.

Thanks.