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

Patent applications are typically submitted to the Patents Office by professional Patent Agents (Also known as Patent Attorneys), who are qualified to advocate on behalf of their inventor/clients. The patent applications are then examined by an experienced Patent Examiner.

The Patents Office in Ireland is a public sector body. Patents Examiners are employed by the state through the public sector recruitment process.

Patent Examiners investigate applications from people who want to protect their invention. They act in the world of intellectual property rights; this term covers patents, registered trademarks, registered design rights and copyright.  
 
The Patent Examiner's job is to make sure the application meets the requirements of patent legislation.

After reading a description of the invention and its intended uses, which may include drawings or chemical formulae, the Patent Examiner searches through patent publications to make sure the invention really is new and inventive. The government will only grant the patent if it is satisfied that it meets these criteria.

The Patent Examiner uses both United Kingdom and international patent documents in the search, as well as other technical literature and computer databases.

The Examiner sends the search results to the applicant, or more often to their Patent Agent, who together must decide whether to carry on the second stage of the application.  
 
At the second stage, the Patent Examiner checks that the description is clear and easy for others to understand, decides if the claims are original and inventive, and carries out a much more detailed investigation of the applicant's claims.

A period of correspondence between examiner and applicant (through the Patent Agent) follows, to discuss any matters raised by the examiner's findings.

Principal Examiners make the decision in cases where disputes cannot be resolved. A barrister can represent the inventor if they appeal against a rejection of their application at this stage.

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 Examiner - from: GradIreland

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

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.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

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.

A degree level qualification in a STEM subject area, (Science, Technology, Mathematics or any branch of Engineering), or an equivalent qualification such as membership of one of the major professional bodies, in areas of Law.

Patent Examiners who specialise in the pharmaceuticals area typically hold PhD level qualifications.  
 
Patent Examiners working for the Irish Patents Office are civil service administrative officers and must meet the Public Service requirements for the role Intellectual property Office.  

Higher education CAO entry: Law, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Engineering NFQ level 8 Search CAO courses 

Postgraduate study options: Law & Intellectual property, Science, Technology, Innovation & research, and Engineering. 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €75k

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

Data Source(s):
PAS/ Gov.ie/ Indeed.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.

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• 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

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [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