What is a patent counsel?

A patent counsel is a senior level patent attorney that works in a law firm. They handle cases related to patent law, which is legal ownership protection for scientific inventors. As a patent counsel, your responsibilities vary based on your specialization. If you work in patent infringement, you act as one of your client’s lawyers to defend their property in a federal court. If your focus is in prosecution, your duties revolve around getting your client’s patent application submitted, approved, and registered. While the primary qualifications are a law degree and licensing from the state bar, most patent lawyers also have a degree in a scientific field. While this is not technically necessary, experience in science can significantly improve your analytical and debate skills for this career.