There are many paths to becoming a patent examiner, but they all begin with a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering from a university. You must be able to demonstrate that you have the mathematical and scientific training required to effectively review the inner workings of patent applications in order to be a compelling candidate for a patent examiner job. Beyond education, the requirements for patent examiners are largely a matter of jurisdiction. For example, patent examiners in the United States must be citizens, whereas the European Patent Office requires proficiency in the office’s three official languages. Prior to applying, do some research on the rules in your area to improve your chances of becoming a patent examiner.
The primary responsibilities of a patent examiner are to examine, or review, patent applications and disputes, as the job title suggests. A patent is by definition a scientific document, and applications frequently describe complex chemical reactions, mechanical processes, and other processes. Patent examiners’ jobs typically entail a lot of in-depth reading and interpretation. To work as a patent examiner, you must demonstrate that you have the necessary foundational knowledge to not only read but also comprehend patent applications.
Patent offices all over the world demand that their agents have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the sciences. Chemistry, engineering, and physics are often the most sought-after degrees. Taking as many of these types of classes as possible in college — and doing well in them — will help you advance your career as a patent examiner.
Working experience is usually not required to become a patent examiner, so you can apply after you’ve graduated and received your diploma. Patent examiners usually work at the governing patent office’s headquarters. Patent offices are run by the government in every country.
Patent examiners work for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Aside from education, the only requirement for becoming a patent examiner at the USPTO is that you are a citizen of the United States. You are eligible to apply and begin your career if you meet these requirements and are willing to relocate to Washington, D.C.
In Europe, the procedure is slightly different. The European Patent Office, or EPO, processes patents for all members of the European Union. The EPO requires its examiners to be citizens of any of the EU countries, as well as competent in all three of the EPO’s official languages (basic reading and conversational skills). English, French, and German are the three languages in question. The EPO has three headquarters offices, and applications are usually accepted on a location-by-location basis.
Before starting work, European patent examiners must complete a comprehensive patent examiner training program. This training is not only a paid part of an examiner’s job, but it also serves as a trial period for new hires. Typical training lasts two years and includes coursework, classroom training, and individual mentorship. Examiners are also given training by the USPTO, but it is usually more informal.