*Source: www.fastzone.com/miller/ litebulb-p.jpg

**Source: Michael Lysaght, Ph.D.

***Source: http://www.patentratings.com/001/press_04.pdf

Patent attorneys provide their clients with assistance in the protection and exploitation of intellectual property rights. They do not just deal with patents, their business also includes Trade Marks, Industrial Designs, Design Rights and Copyright. 

A patent attorney can work in a patent department of a large company, or can work for a private patent law firm.

The qualifications include a technical background in engineering or science and a law degree.  A PhD is not necessary, but is helpful.  Good attorneys enjoy writing and are able to work with abstraction and detail. 

Starting salary is $125,000.  After eight to ten years $250,000.  Senior partner $500,000 to one million**.

Top Ten Patent Law Firms for Biotechnology/Drug Patents***:

1. Clark & Elbing

2. McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff

3. Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth

4. Myers Bigel Sibley & Sajovec

5. Senniger, Powers, Leavitt & Roedel

6. Davidson, Davidson & Kappel

7. Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox

7. Hale and Dorr

9. Morrison & Foerster

9. Ropes & Gray

career profiles in patent law