UC Irvine GPS-STEM

Graduate Professional Success for PhD students and Postdocs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

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Explore Careers in Intellectual Property Law

The excitement of cutting-edge research, learning about new technologies, and helping new inventions come to life attracts numerous trainees to the field of intellectual property. To succeed in this career field, candidates must understand the implications of a discovery, research what makes it different from past advances, and communicate these nuances in a succinct way. Having a strong science background is required, and having a PhD is highly desirable.

Law firms often hire PhDs as technology specialists or patent agents. These positions are gateways into the field. Within academia, technology transfer offices also hire PhDs to work as technology specialist and licensing officers. Below we provide a brief overview of the difference between these positions as well as resources to prepare for a career in intellectual property law.

Routes from PhD training to Patent Law or Technology Transfer:

  • Technical advisers assist patent agents or patent lawyers with research and writing tasks. They perform background research for a patent, investigate competing patents and figure out ways to work around them. They also write patent applications.
  • Patent agents who successfully pass the patent bar can write, file, and prosecute patent applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. They cannot render legal opinions or practice law, and they aren’t eligible to become a partner in a firm.
  • Patent lawyers specialize in either prosecution (writing and filing for patent protection) or litigation (bringing or defending against lawsuits over intellectual property). While it’s possible to remain a patent agent, or even a technology specialist, a law degree is needed for career advancement and salary increases.
  • Licensing officers review new inventions (from academia) for patentability and commercial viability. They also connect with industries to seek opportunities to license the patent.

Keys skills to succeed in this field:

  • A degree in life science, physical science or engineering
  • Strong research skills
  • Adaptable to changing projects
  • Ability to communicate with a wide range of individiuals
  • Concise writing skills

UCI resources that provide training, address skill gaps & build networks:

  • Invention Transfer Group Fellowship. The Invention Transfer Group (ITG) offer graduate students, post docs, or professional students at UCI a hands-on introduction to university technology transfer and intellectual property management. Under the direction of a Licensing Officer at ITG, fellows will assist the office in conducting technology assessments, prior art searches, writing invention summaries, and initiating market research of UCI inventions.
  • Life Beyond the PhD in Patent Law. Presentation for GPS-BIOMED by Ellen Smith, Ph.D., Attorney at Perkins Coie

Additional resources to address skill gaps & build networks:

  • United States Patent and Trademark Office. Information and test prep for the patent bar. The exam is offered year-round via computer at test centers across the country and on a date and time chosen by the applicant.
  • National Association of Patent Practitioners (NAPP). A nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting patent practitioners and those working in the field of patent law. Offers resources, events and networking opportunities.

Recommended Reading:

  • Careers for Scientists in the Patenting World. Featured article in Science Careers.
  • Nontraditional Science Careers: Patent Agent. Featured article on the Association of Cell Biology.
  • A Career in Biotech Patent Law. Featured article in Science Careers.

Events Spotlight

GPS-STEM Radio SPP EP 2
GPS-STEM Radio SPP EP 2
Episode #2 of GPS-STEM Radio's Science Policy Podcast is out!
GPS-STEM Radio SPP EP 1
GPS-STEM Radio SPP EP 1

Episode #1 of GPS-STEM Radio's Science Policy Podcast is out!

GPS-STEM Radio
GPS-STEM Radio

GPS-STEM Radio, bringing you science, professional development, and experts to your earbuds!

GPS-STEM DCE Course
GPS-STEM DCE Course
Building a Career Development Program for Biomedical Trainees course designed as a toolkit and provides additional program support course.
Online Mentoring Program
Mentoring Program 2019
Industry Research, Medical Science Liaison, Teaching/Research, Field Application Scientist, Product Development, Data Science
Science Communication & Business Development
Alumni in the News!
Why GPS-BIOMED for PhD students & Postdocs? How the program prepares for careers in academia/Industry
Irvine City Council Member, Farrah Khan
Irvine City Council Member, Farrah Khan
Keynote speaker for Science Policy Symposium 2019
Congratulations to our P3 program members on DC Visit
Congratulations to our P3 program members on DC Visit
Public Policy Program members visited DC to campaign for effective NIH funding and STEM education policies.
SciencePolicySymposium
SciencePolicySymposium
Engaging policy makers and scientists in a meaningful dialogue
WhenScienceSpeaks
WhenScienceSpeaks
GPS-BIOMED in the news for unique programming for early career scientists.
Medtech Mega Mixer
Medtech Mega Mixer
Biomedical Industry Networking event for PhDs & Postdocs
4th Elevator Pitch Competition
4th Elevator Pitch Competition
Tell me about yourself!
Career Paths for PhDs
Career Paths for PhDs
Develop a strategic plan & review career paths for scientists.
Alumni Mentor Program for PhDs
Alumni Mentor Program for PhDs
Alumni from diverse career fields return to help current trainees.
UCI P3
UCI P3
Public Policy Prep for STEM grad students & postdocs!

Join GPS-STEM on social media!

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Upcoming PD Events

Job Search Resources & Databases

  • BioPharmGuy
  • BioSpace
  • Naturejobs: Science Jobs of the Week
  • NIH OITE Career Blog
  • Science Careers
  • UCI Career Center Job & Internship Database

UCI Partners

  • Antrepreneur Center
  • Applied Innovation
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  • Outreach & Minority Science Programs
  • The Graduate Division
  • UCI Division of Continuing Education
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External Partners

  • Allergan
  • Fish & Tsang LLP
  • LDOS Media Lab
  • OCTANe

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