does passing patent bar help in securing a patent job? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I have a B.S. in biology, so am qualified to take the patent bar under cat. A. I know that I can't get into patent prosecution without an advanced degree in bio, but should I still take the patent bar anyway? Will taking and passing the patent bar help me find a patent litigation job?

[Agent]

It's a nice credential, but I would like to know a bit about your current situation and opportunity costs before recommending that you take it. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat about specifics.

[Black-Blue]

In the past, it didn't matter, but in today's highly competitive economy, every bit helps. So if you want that extra boost, then take the patent bar.

Of course in the end it's all about opportunity cost, but I don't think the patent bar is that hard. If you don't pass it the first time, just take it again. No need to sweat it like you do with the state bars after graduation.

[farmernate]

3L going into big lawl patent lit, just took the patent bar. Multiple partners "suggested" that it'd be nice to have because I could sit for it. My feeling is that it's a nice marketing tool that makes it easier to sell you to the client for certain cases, and following AIA, there will be certain post-grant and inter partes review proceedings at the PTO which require patent bar admission.

TL;DR - It's a plus, but I got my SA and an offer before I even took the thing so it's definitely not a barrier to entry for patent lit.