IP law without a science background? Forum

[sangr]

so im looking into this but i feel there are ppl here who can answer me well for this.

is it possible to practice intellectual property law somehow without having a science background?

[tourdeforcex]

not an expert on subject

but from what i understand: patent law requires a science background. IP generally does not require but it may be suggested / everyone who does it has a science background.

TLs, correct me, as you will, if i am wrong.

[dr123]

You need a science background to sit for the patent bar

[nerdherder]

There are three areas of patent law: prosecution, litigation, and licensing.
Prosecution, which is essentially working on patent applications, will almost always require a technical background. You need to pass the patent bar, which you need qualifications for. If you're interested in hearing about how to get around this, I can tell you more.

The other two areas do not require any type of background. Litigation involves representing parties in infringement lawsuits, and mainly only requires the lawyer to be able to understand the important legal facets of cases. Licensing is more business oriented- you essentially broker deals between patent owners and potential users.

[BioEBear2010]

There are three areas of patent law: prosecution, litigation, and licensing.
Prosecution, which is essentially working on patent applications, will almost always require a technical background. You need to pass the patent bar, which you need qualifications for. If you're interested in hearing about how to get around this, I can tell you more.

The other two areas do not require any type of background. Litigation involves representing parties in infringement lawsuits, and mainly only requires the lawyer to be able to understand the important legal facets of cases. Licensing is more business oriented- you essentially broker deals between patent owners and potential users.

This. But I would add that a tech background, or at least a passion for technology, is very beneficial for IP lit and licensing.

There is also a fourth type of IP law--intellectual property transaction (really a subset of corporate)--in which attorneys value companies' IP (mainly for M&A deals).