Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

The Work

Also known as a Patent Attorney given the legal nature of their job, a Patent Agent works on behalf of an applicant in the process of achieving a patent, to determine if their invention really is new, is not obvious to someone working in the area for which it is intended, and has a practical use. The patent will only be granted if the government is satisfied that the claim meets these criteria.

Patent Agents are often able to give advice on how likely the invention is to be a commercial success.  The Patent Agent must have the required scientific and technical knowledge to interpret drawings and prototypes, and to understand what the invention is.   

The job of the Patent Agent is to produce a written document that clearly defines and describes the invention and submit it to the patents office for examination.

A patent examiner (in the government Patent Office) studies the document and searches through patent publications, technical databases and literature to ensure that the invention is novel and truly inventive. The Examiner sends a report of the search results to the Patent Agent, who helps the inventor to decide whether or not to proceed with the application.  
 
If the Patent Office raises any objection to the application, the agent will act to obtain the best possible protection for the applicant's invention. Patent Agents also have the right to act as advocates in the courts. Patent agents have the legal skills to enforce their client's rights, for example, if the client discovers that someone else is selling their invention or claiming it as their own.  
 
Patent Agents may go on to become European Patent Attorneys, entitling them to practise before the European Patents Office. Patent attorneys in the European Patent Office use the English, French and German languages to process patent applications from across the continent.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Analyse the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
• Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
• Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
• Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
• Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
• Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
• Present and summarise cases to judges and juries.
• Study Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.
• Prepare, draft, and review legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
• Negotiate settlements of civil disputes.

Further Information

• Patent Agent / Attorney - from: GradIreland
• Patent Agent / Attorney - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Patent Agent / Attorney - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

Patent Agents are required to be graduates of a STEM area, (Science, Technology, Mathematics or Engineering), and be members of one of the major professional bodies (APTMA, CIPA). Specialists in the pharmaceuticals area typically hold PhD level qualifications.

Degree programmes in STEM subjects are on offer at almost every IT and University throughout the country.

To qualify as a Patent Agent, there are formal exams which must be passed to entitle entry to the Register of Patent Agents (APTMA below for more information). It is usual for a person entering the profession to take four or five years to qualify.

Patent Agents typically work in private firms or in large manufacturing organisations. Their role is helping inventors and companies to secure the rights to their intellectual properties and to profit from those rights.

Technical Assistants

Trainee Patent Agents are known as Technical Assistants. They are apprenticed to a qualified patent agent. They are given legal training in a patent agent's office or company patent department, while studying part-time for the professional examinations set by the Patents Office.  
 
Patent Trainee agents study patent interpretation, patent amendment, patent drafting and Irish patent law. After passing their exams, which is usually 2-3 years after training begins, they become Chartered agents. At the same time trainees are studying for the European patent examinations that include European patent law. After passing the European Opposition Exam, usually 4-5 years after training began, trainees become fully qualified Registered Agents.  
 
If you want to act before the European Patent Office, you must be on the list of qualified practitioners. This means you must pass the European qualifying examination. You will need a good reading knowledge of French and German, which, alongside English, are the working languages of the Office.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €50k - €115k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
PAS/ Gov.ie

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels have declined annually since 2020 for this occupation, resulting in a negative growth rate for the five-year annual average. There were a small number of employment permits issued for legal counsel across a number of sectors including ICT and the financial sector. However, the professional, scientific and technical activities sector accounts for the majority of employment in this occupation.

• Association of Patent and Trademark Attorneys (APTMA)

  • c/o Tomkins & Co., 5 Dartmouth Road, Dublin 6.
  • (01) 202 6700
  • Click Here

• European Patent Office

  • See website for individual location addresses
  • Click Here

• Irish Patents Office

  • Government Buildings, Hebron Road, Kilkenny
  • 056 7720111
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA)

  • 95 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1DT
  • (0044) 20 7405 9450
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here