Entering IP Law with a Non-Science Background Forum

[couchpizza]

So I'm really interested in IP law. I understand that I can't do patent prosecution because I don't have a science background but are areas like trademarks or copyrights still open? If so, would I just be overshadowed by everyone who can take the patent bar or do I have a serious shot at landing an IP position given the right credentials (grades/networking/etc)

[deadpoetnsp]

IP law is a huge umbrella that covers patents, tradamarks, copyright, unfair competition, licensing, antitrust, and so on. Out of all these fields, you only need a science/engineering background to be eligible to take the patent bar, for patent prosecution (writing patents and working with the patent office to get patents issued). You don't need a science background for patent litigation. You also don't need a science background for copyright, trademarks, IP strategy and counseling, IP licensing and so on.

That said, you will likely need to be in the top third, and probably even top 10%, since most patent litigation firms are extremely grades-focused if you don't have a science background.