‘Patent Prosecutor’ or ‘IP Counselor’?: Clients and Practitioners Should Choose Wisely

Patent prosecution—the act of negotiating with a U.S. or foreign patent office to obtain patent protection—sometimes is viewed unfavorably by lawyers and clients, being associated with (1) limited career scope, (2) commodity work product, and (3) reduced law firm profitability. This baggage may impede patent prosecutors’ advancement within some organizations, despite the talent they bring and the results they achieve.

Unfortunately, patent prosecutors may unwittingly perpetuate negative stereotypes by adopting a complacent approach to their practice. By its nature, patent prosecution may breed such complacency, thus hindering a practitioner’s effectiveness and professional development.

Patent prosecutors who view themselves first and foremost as IP counselors—and strive to embody the seven traits described below—are more likely to grow and retain clients and ultimately have more fulfilling careers.

To read the full article, please visit IPWatchdog.