From bench to bar: careers in patent law for molecular biologists

ABSTRACT Leaving science to pursue a career in patent law requires a considerable invest-ment of time and energy, and possibly money, with no guarantee of finding a job or of return-ing to science should the decision prove infelicitous. Yet the large number of former scientists now practicing patent law shows that it can be done. I provide suggestions for investigating the potential opportunities, costs, risks, and rewards of this career path. The molecular biologist wishing to retool herself or himself as a pat-ent law professional has a number of specific career options to choose from. CAREERS FOR NONATTORNEYS One need not become an attorney before beginning a career in patent law. Some patent law firms hire scientists or engineers with advanced degrees or training in a technical field to train as patent agents (sometimes using other names, such as patent scientist or technical specialist). Patent agents must take and pass the same U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) registration exam (infor