How Are Patent Attorneys Unique?
Patent Attorneys are not your ordinary attorney. Patent attorneys can practice in most of the other areas of law, but not every attorney can practice patent law. In order to practice patent law, patent attorneys must have a degree in engineering or science. This makes patent attorneys very unique but also very qualified to help protect technology.
Typically, patent attorneys with engineering degrees draft patents for mechanical and electrical devices and methods, whereas patent attorneys with science degrees draft pharmaceutical based patents, such as new medicines or other compositions of matter.
In addition to taking at least one state bar, patent attorneys take the patent bar.  The patent bar is difficult having a historical passage rate of approximately 48%. Think about it this way: less than half of the people that have studied for the patent bar will actually pass. This low passage rate speaks to the difficulty of the patent law. It also highlights why hiring a knowledgeable patent attorney is so vital.
Why Hire a Patent Attorney?
If it is worth patenting, then it is worth spending the money to hire an attorney. If your goal is to seek a license, most businesses will take your invention more seriously when you hire a patent attorney, at least because the businesses know that the patent they are paying a license for was drafted properly. When inventors file their own applications, the applications are littered with errors. Many of these errors would invalidate the patent should it ever be enforced in litigation.
What do Patent Attorneys Do?
Who can Become a U.S. Patent Attorney
Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents can sit for the patent bar and ultimately practice before the Patent Office. Patent practitioners that become registered are maintained by the patent office. From time-to-time the patent office has suspended practitioners that are not actively practicing.
What Patent Attorney Should I Hire?
Not all patent attorneys are created equally. Registered Patent Attorney Matthew Sean Tucker has experience prosecuting numerous multiple billion dollar patent portfolios. Some of the portfolios for which he has prosecuted encompass:
Understanding the Value of Patent Attorneys
Patent Attorneys are not your ordinary attorneys. While many lawyers can practice across various legal fields, patent attorneys are uniquely qualified due to their specialized educational background. To practice patent law, one must hold a degree in engineering or science, equipping them to handle complex technical and legal issues related to patents.
Those with engineering degrees typically draft patents for mechanical and electrical devices and methods, whereas those holding science degrees focus on pharmaceutical-based patents, including new medicines and other compositions of matter. This specialization makes patent attorneys invaluable when protecting technological innovations.
Moreover, the patent bar exam, required for practicing patent law, has a notably low pass rate of about 48%, reflecting the difficulty and complexity of the field. This rigorous examination ensures that only the most capable individuals can navigate the intricacies of patent law, emphasizing the importance of their role in safeguarding intellectual property.
Why Hire a Patent Attorney?
The value of a patent attorney cannot be overstated, especially if your goal involves securing a patent or licensing agreement. Most businesses recognize the seriousness of an invention when a professional patent attorney handles the patent application, as it assures them that the patent has been drafted correctly and minimizes the risk of costly legal errors that could invalidate the patent during enforcement.
Services Provided by Patent Attorneys at Tucker Law
Patent attorneys at Tucker Law offer a broad range of services to protect your intellectual property, including:
- Conducting patent searches to ensure the uniqueness of an invention.
- Providing patentability opinions to assess the likelihood of securing a patent.
- Drafting and filing patents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Enforcing patent rights and defending against patent infringement allegations.
- Handling patent licensing negotiations and preparations.
- Supporting trademark applications and enforcing trademark rights.
Who Can Become a U.S. Patent Attorney?
Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to sit for the patent bar and practice before the Patent Office. The office maintains a register of active patent practitioners and monitors their practice status, occasionally suspending those who are not actively practicing.
Choosing the Right Patent Attorney
When selecting a patent attorney, consider their track record and expertise in the field. Registered Patent Attorney Matthew Sean Tucker of Tucker Law, for example, has successfully prosecuted multiple billion-dollar patent portfolios, covering diverse technologies from advanced wireless systems to medical and home equipment.
At Tucker Law, our experienced patent attorneys are dedicated to protecting your innovations and helping you navigate the complexities of patent law. Contact us to discuss how we can assist you with your patent needs and ensure your inventions are thoroughly protected.
