Patent Attorney
Help inventors and companies protect new technologies by drafting and prosecuting patent applications.
A day in the life
Review invention disclosures, draft patent claims, respond to patent office queries, and advise clients on IP strategy.
Typical route
Helpful A-levels
Physics + Maths
Typical qualification and training
- STEM degree (Physics, Engineering or Chemistry)
- Trainee contract with a patent firm and professional exams
These are common routes, not compulsory subject combinations. Entry requirements vary between universities, training schemes and employers, so always check the current provider requirements.
Indicative UK salary
- Starter
- £28,500-£37,000
- Experienced
- £65,000-£85,000
- Senior
- £100,000+
Dual-qualified and partner-level attorneys can earn significantly more.
Salary range checked against Prospects.ac.uk: Patent Attorney.
UK employers
- Marks & Clerk
- Withers & Rogers
- Kilburn & Strode
- Reddie & Grose
Worldwide employers
- WIPO
- USPTO
- European Patent Office
- Fish & Richardson
Useful route links
These links are good starting points for courses, apprenticeships, graduate routes and professional training. They open the official or specialist sites rather than another summary page.
Key skills
Explore related careers
Sources and further reading
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