An important question that many undergraduate physics students ask is, “What can one do with a physics degree?” Of course there are many answers to this question. Often a general reference to becoming a lawyer is given as a possible answer. This paper is intended to explain the field of patent law and how a physics degree can lead to an interesting and potentially lucrative career as a patent examiner, a patent agent, or a patent attorney. This information may be of interest to physics students as well as those who recruit or counsel physics students.
REFERENCES
1.
35 USC § 101.
2.
U.S. Patent #1,781,541.
3.
See uspto.connectsolutions.com/patentexaminfosession/.
4.
See Ref. 3.
5.
For information regarding applying for the patent bar, see uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/olia/oed/ examregist.htm.
6.
See uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/mpep.htm.
7.
See uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/olia/oed/pastexams.htm.
8.
See Michael Mann's website at www.nexsenpruet.com/attorneys‐126.html.
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© 2010 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2010
American Association of Physics Teachers
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