Patent Bar Forum
- john1990
- Posts: 1216
- Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 5:49 pm
Patent Bar
I didnt know where to post this so if an admin would like to move it go ahead.
My question is how do i select classes to fill the 24 credit hour requirement for physics to sit for the patent bar?
Am i allowed to take 8 different 100 level physics? Or 4 100's and 4 200's? What are the rules for selecting physics classes.
Also, if anyone know what the job field is like for patent lawyers, or any other information that interesting let me know.
If im not mistaken patent lawyers ensure that products are safe and unique enough to be patented
My question is how do i select classes to fill the 24 credit hour requirement for physics to sit for the patent bar?
Am i allowed to take 8 different 100 level physics? Or 4 100's and 4 200's? What are the rules for selecting physics classes.
Also, if anyone know what the job field is like for patent lawyers, or any other information that interesting let me know.
If im not mistaken patent lawyers ensure that products are safe and unique enough to be patented
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- Posts: 18203
- Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 10:47 pm
Re: Patent Bar
You don't get a job just taking enough classes to pass the bar. You need to get a real engineering degree. Electrical, mechanical, bio, compsci, something useful.john1990 wrote:I didnt know where to post this so if an admin would like to move it go ahead.
My question is how do i select classes to fill the 24 credit hour requirement for physics to sit for the patent bar?
Am i allowed to take 8 different 100 level physics? Or 4 100's and 4 200's? What are the rules for selecting physics classes.
Also, if anyone know what the job field is like for patent lawyers, or any other information that interesting let me know.
If im not mistaken patent lawyers ensure that products are safe and unique enough to be patented
- john1990
- Posts: 1216
- Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 5:49 pm
Re: Patent Bar
Your saying that simply passing the patent bar wont be enough to get a job as a patent lawyer? I dont understand.Desert Fox wrote:You don't get a job just taking enough classes to pass the bar. You need to get a real engineering degree. Electrical, mechanical, bio, compsci, something useful.john1990 wrote:I didnt know where to post this so if an admin would like to move it go ahead.
My question is how do i select classes to fill the 24 credit hour requirement for physics to sit for the patent bar?
Am i allowed to take 8 different 100 level physics? Or 4 100's and 4 200's? What are the rules for selecting physics classes.
Also, if anyone know what the job field is like for patent lawyers, or any other information that interesting let me know.
If im not mistaken patent lawyers ensure that products are safe and unique enough to be patented
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- Posts: 18203
- Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 10:47 pm
Re: Patent Bar
Yea nobody is going to hire you.john1990 wrote:Your saying that simply passing the patent bar wont be enough to get a job as a patent lawyer? I dont understand.Desert Fox wrote:You don't get a job just taking enough classes to pass the bar. You need to get a real engineering degree. Electrical, mechanical, bio, compsci, something useful.john1990 wrote:I didnt know where to post this so if an admin would like to move it go ahead.
My question is how do i select classes to fill the 24 credit hour requirement for physics to sit for the patent bar?
Am i allowed to take 8 different 100 level physics? Or 4 100's and 4 200's? What are the rules for selecting physics classes.
Also, if anyone know what the job field is like for patent lawyers, or any other information that interesting let me know.
If im not mistaken patent lawyers ensure that products are safe and unique enough to be patented
- deadpoetnsp
- Posts: 145
- Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2010 6:57 pm
Re: Patent Bar
Exactly. Passing the bar is necessary, but not sufficient. You have to demonstrate a solid understanding of science/engineering, and the best way to do that is have an engineering or science degree.john1990 wrote:Your saying that simply passing the patent bar wont be enough to get a job as a patent lawyer? I dont understand.Desert Fox wrote:You don't get a job just taking enough classes to pass the bar. You need to get a real engineering degree. Electrical, mechanical, bio, compsci, something useful.john1990 wrote:I didnt know where to post this so if an admin would like to move it go ahead.
My question is how do i select classes to fill the 24 credit hour requirement for physics to sit for the patent bar?
Am i allowed to take 8 different 100 level physics? Or 4 100's and 4 200's? What are the rules for selecting physics classes.
Also, if anyone know what the job field is like for patent lawyers, or any other information that interesting let me know.
If im not mistaken patent lawyers ensure that products are safe and unique enough to be patented
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- john1990
- Posts: 1216
- Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 5:49 pm
Re: Patent Bar
deadpoetnsp wrote:Exactly. Passing the bar is necessary, but not sufficient. You have to demonstrate a solid understanding of science/engineering, and the best way to do that is have an engineering or science degree.john1990 wrote:Your saying that simply passing the patent bar wont be enough to get a job as a patent lawyer? I dont understand.Desert Fox wrote:You don't get a job just taking enough classes to pass the bar. You need to get a real engineering degree. Electrical, mechanical, bio, compsci, something useful.john1990 wrote:I didnt know where to post this so if an admin would like to move it go ahead.
My question is how do i select classes to fill the 24 credit hour requirement for physics to sit for the patent bar?
Am i allowed to take 8 different 100 level physics? Or 4 100's and 4 200's? What are the rules for selecting physics classes.
Also, if anyone know what the job field is like for patent lawyers, or any other information that interesting let me know.
If im not mistaken patent lawyers ensure that products are safe and unique enough to be patented
Alright, so what classes would be "sufficient" in giving me the knowledge needed to be a patent lawyer? I see that most physics majors only take 30 credits or so in physics.
- deadpoetnsp
- Posts: 145
- Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2010 6:57 pm
Re: Patent Bar
Classes/credits are the means, not an end. No amount of credits can give you knowledge if you don't have the interest/inclination/receptiveness to science. You are conflating the requirements for a degree with the intent of the degree. What I'm trying to point out is that having sufficient science credits to give the bar does not automatically mean that you will do well in law firm interviews. They will want you to demonstrate understanding of science and will compare you to candidates for whom science is a passion, who will often have graduate degrees in science/engineering in addition to undergraduate degrees.john1990 wrote:Alright, so what classes would be "sufficient" in giving me the knowledge needed to be a patent lawyer? I see that most physics majors only take 30 credits or so in physics.
Typically, law firms will not be convinced of your fit as a patent lawyer unless you have a science/engineering degree. That said, many patent practitioners who are practice patent litigation do not have science degrees (you don't need to give the patent bar for patent litigation).
- john1990
- Posts: 1216
- Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 5:49 pm
Re: Patent Bar
Classes/credits are the means, not an end. No amount of credits can give you knowledge if you don't have the interest/inclination/receptiveness to science. You are conflating the requirements for a degree with the intent of the degree. What I'm trying to point out is that having sufficient science credits to give the bar does not automatically mean that you will do well in law firm interviews. They will want you to demonstrate understanding of science and will compare you to candidates for whom science is a passion, who will often have graduate degrees in science/engineering in addition to undergraduate degrees.
Typically, law firms will not be convinced of your fit as a patent lawyer unless you have a science/engineering degree. That said, many patent practitioners who are practice patent litigation do not have science degrees (you don't need to give the patent bar for patent litigation).[/quote]
I do have an interest in science and i am constantly bombarded with knowledge from my room mate who is a chemistry major wether i like it or not
I would like to be a part time life time student and i had planned on taking science classes even before i found that patent law requires them.
I understand how my original post might have created a different impression. I am simply trying to figure out the rules before i decide where i fit in.
Typically, law firms will not be convinced of your fit as a patent lawyer unless you have a science/engineering degree. That said, many patent practitioners who are practice patent litigation do not have science degrees (you don't need to give the patent bar for patent litigation).[/quote]
I do have an interest in science and i am constantly bombarded with knowledge from my room mate who is a chemistry major wether i like it or not

I understand how my original post might have created a different impression. I am simply trying to figure out the rules before i decide where i fit in.
- deadpoetnsp
- Posts: 145
- Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2010 6:57 pm
Re: Patent Bar
Okjohn1990 wrote:I do have an interest in science and i am constantly bombarded with knowledge from my room mate who is a chemistry major wether i like it or notdeadpoetnsp wrote:Classes/credits are the means, not an end. No amount of credits can give you knowledge if you don't have the interest/inclination/receptiveness to science. You are conflating the requirements for a degree with the intent of the degree. What I'm trying to point out is that having sufficient science credits to give the bar does not automatically mean that you will do well in law firm interviews. They will want you to demonstrate understanding of science and will compare you to candidates for whom science is a passion, who will often have graduate degrees in science/engineering in addition to undergraduate degrees.
Typically, law firms will not be convinced of your fit as a patent lawyer unless you have a science/engineering degree. That said, many patent practitioners who are practice patent litigation do not have science degrees (you don't need to give the patent bar for patent litigation).I would like to be a part time life time student and i had planned on taking science classes even before i found that patent law requires them.
I understand how my original post might have created a different impression. I am simply trying to figure out the rules before i decide where i fit in.

- drdolittle
- Posts: 627
- Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2010 4:15 am
Re: Patent Bar
Since you have an interest in science, have you thought about switching your major? I know this might seem daunting now, but even if a science degree would require another 1-2 more years of UG, it might make sense, especially if you're really interested. The upside, least of which is pat bar eligibility, would be a far more useful UG degree that will qualify you for better jobs/opportunities out of UG and later.john1990 wrote: I do have an interest in science and i am constantly bombarded with knowledge from my room mate who is a chemistry major wether i like it or notI would like to be a part time life time student and i had planned on taking science classes even before i found that patent law requires them.
I understand how my original post might have created a different impression. I am simply trying to figure out the rules before i decide where i fit in.
- deadpoetnsp
- Posts: 145
- Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2010 6:57 pm
Re: Patent Bar
+1drdolittle wrote:Since you have an interest in science, have you thought about switching your major? I know this might seem daunting now, but even if a science degree would require another 1-2 more years of UG, it might make sense, especially if you're really interested. The upside, least of which is pat bar eligibility, would be a far more useful UG degree that will qualify you for better jobs/opportunities out of UG and later.john1990 wrote: I do have an interest in science and i am constantly bombarded with knowledge from my room mate who is a chemistry major wether i like it or notI would like to be a part time life time student and i had planned on taking science classes even before i found that patent law requires them.
I understand how my original post might have created a different impression. I am simply trying to figure out the rules before i decide where i fit in.
- chem
- Posts: 871
- Joined: Thu Mar 03, 2011 8:14 pm
Re: Patent Bar
Agreed, but if you are unwilling to change majors, and completely set on doing law work related to science and technology, I would say the best bet would be to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Its generally the best way to show that you have a grasp of engineering and science if you don't have the degree.deadpoetnsp wrote:+1drdolittle wrote:Since you have an interest in science, have you thought about switching your major? I know this might seem daunting now, but even if a science degree would require another 1-2 more years of UG, it might make sense, especially if you're really interested. The upside, least of which is pat bar eligibility, would be a far more useful UG degree that will qualify you for better jobs/opportunities out of UG and later.john1990 wrote: I do have an interest in science and i am constantly bombarded with knowledge from my room mate who is a chemistry major wether i like it or notI would like to be a part time life time student and i had planned on taking science classes even before i found that patent law requires them.
I understand how my original post might have created a different impression. I am simply trying to figure out the rules before i decide where i fit in.
Bonus: It even makes you patent bar eligible
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- Posts: 3086
- Joined: Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:05 pm
Re: Patent Bar
You're going to have a really hard time even getting an interview, though, if you don't have at least an undergrad degree in some type of science. If you're not in one of the engineering fields, you'll have a hard time getting an interview without an advanced degree. If you really want to practice in the patent field, you should major in a science and strongly think about (at the very least) a master's degree. You'll be competing against people with PhDs, though, so it's tough if you're not at a top school.
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- john1990
- Posts: 1216
- Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 5:49 pm
Re: Patent Bar
I am going to be a senior this year so i dont want to delay my graduation. Instead, id rather just start taking physics classes to learn in my spare time. My UG degree is in accounting so it is somewhat useful and i dont think it makes sense to change majors at this time. Id rather have an accounting degree and then build onto that.drdolittle wrote:Since you have an interest in science, have you thought about switching your major? I know this might seem daunting now, but even if a science degree would require another 1-2 more years of UG, it might make sense, especially if you're really interested. The upside, least of which is pat bar eligibility, would be a far more useful UG degree that will qualify you for better jobs/opportunities out of UG and later.john1990 wrote: I do have an interest in science and i am constantly bombarded with knowledge from my room mate who is a chemistry major wether i like it or notI would like to be a part time life time student and i had planned on taking science classes even before i found that patent law requires them.
I understand how my original post might have created a different impression. I am simply trying to figure out the rules before i decide where i fit in.
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- Posts: 18203
- Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 10:47 pm
Re: Patent Bar
Why do you want to do patent law so badly anyway.
- john1990
- Posts: 1216
- Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 5:49 pm
Re: Patent Bar
Im not 100% sure on patent law yet, im just interested in seeing what it takes to do it. Obviously the money is a huge factor. Also, the job sounds interesting. Filing patent applications and ensuring that products are safe and unique enough to earn a patent while also doing patent litigation. The job sounds interesting and rewarding. Further, i had been playing with the idea, or planning, on taking science classes in college after graduation anyway at some pace. I have been interested in science for a few years now and i miss physics from high school.
So, what classes should i take to become a patent lawyer? Is physics the right field or should i be doing something more with technology?
So, what classes should i take to become a patent lawyer? Is physics the right field or should i be doing something more with technology?
- john1990
- Posts: 1216
- Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 5:49 pm
Re: Patent Bar
chem wrote:Agreed, but if you are unwilling to change majors, and completely set on doing law work related to science and technology, I would say the best bet would be to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Its generally the best way to show that you have a grasp of engineering and science if you don't have the degree.deadpoetnsp wrote:+1drdolittle wrote:Since you have an interest in science, have you thought about switching your major? I know this might seem daunting now, but even if a science degree would require another 1-2 more years of UG, it might make sense, especially if you're really interested. The upside, least of which is pat bar eligibility, would be a far more useful UG degree that will qualify you for better jobs/opportunities out of UG and later.john1990 wrote: I do have an interest in science and i am constantly bombarded with knowledge from my room mate who is a chemistry major wether i like it or notI would like to be a part time life time student and i had planned on taking science classes even before i found that patent law requires them.
I understand how my original post might have created a different impression. I am simply trying to figure out the rules before i decide where i fit in.
Bonus: It even makes you patent bar eligible
Thanks for the tip. Could i self study for this test like the LSAT, or would it be better to go after the 24 credit hours?
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- Posts: 18203
- Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 10:47 pm
Re: Patent Bar
Patent doesn't really deal with safety.john1990 wrote:Im not 100% sure on patent law yet, im just interested in seeing what it takes to do it. Obviously the money is a huge factor. Also, the job sounds interesting. Filing patent applications and ensuring that products are safe and unique enough to earn a patent while also doing patent litigation. The job sounds interesting and rewarding. Further, i had been playing with the idea, or planning, on taking science classes in college after graduation anyway at some pace. I have been interested in science for a few years now and i miss physics from high school.
So, what classes should i take to become a patent lawyer? Is physics the right field or should i be doing something more with technology?
You should get a degree in a real engineering field. EE, ME, CS, BioE. ChemE. Short of that I wouldn't bother.
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