Patent Law Turning Ideas into Legal Documents

摘要

Thousands of discoveries are made every day in science, from new genetic sequences to molecules that hold promise as future drugs. As a result, thousands of patents are filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to help scientists protect the fruits of their research. Because most scientists do not have the legal background or time to file their own patents, patent agents and attorneys are responsible for helping them turn their ideas and inventions into legal documents that protect their intellectual property. Patent law is a fast-paced field, and opportunities abound for scientists from all disciplines. Bridging science and law, patent agents and attorneys get the benefit of being at the cutting edge of science, without having to get their hands dirty. They learn about breakthroughs in science even before they are published in journals or presented at conferences. And, in advising high-ranking individuals in industry and the public sector on their rights and obligations, patent agents and attorneys are able to influence the path of discoveries from bench to bedside.