daughter changing major

frazzled2thecore
Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:15:40 +0000

Georgiatwins - It is my understanding that the PTO is specific about the types of science background one needs to be able to sit for the patent bar, and anthropology does not seem to be on the list at all. Anyone interested in these requirements can check the PTO website for the list.

Several students from our area have been successful in obtaining employment with the patent office after graduating with a science or engineering degree, and a few have then gone on to law school. I understand that the patent office is hiring right now. It is also possible (for now) to take the Patent Bar if basic science requirements have been met, and to obtain employment as a patent agent. Most who go this route seem to have a graduate degree in a scientific area, but an undergraduate degree is enough to sit for the exam. Some students take the exam before entering law school, or before graduating from law school. I believe the pass rate is about 30%.