This article is written by Vanya Verma from O.P. Jindal Global University. This article focuses on what skills a person should have to make a career in the Intellectual Property sector.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Intellectual Property (IP) requires great expertise thus there is less competition in this field with high earnings. If you want to build a career in IP then you must have these basic skills discussed in this article further.
Basic skills required to make a career in Intellectual Property
Basic educational qualification
An IP lawyer might be a law graduate with extensive knowledge of IPR (Intellectual Property Rights). Those interested in becoming an IPR Attorney can enrol in a law course with an IPR focus or specialise in one of the IPR courses after earning their law degree. A specialisation in intellectual property education will give you an in-depth understanding of the topic as well as related skill sets such as legal and technical writing, computer, and presentation skills, all of which are necessary for a successful Intellectual Property profession. IP law is a unique profession, and practising as an IP Attorney typically necessitates a background in science, math, or a related field in addition to a law degree.
The IP law course covers all aspects of intellectual property law, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights. Some courses address pharmaceutical, IT, mechanical, chemical, and biotechnology patent practise in addition to the usual subjects. Students will get extensive knowledge of the challenges that can arise in this profession by studying IP law. They also research drafting intellectual property licences, patent prosecution, biotech patent law, copyrights, and unfair trade practices. Licensing intellectual property rights, the federal circuit court system, law in cyberspace, patent law, trademark and trade secret law, IP theories, and telecommunications law are all covered in the LLM and MIPL programmes.
Lawyers who specialise in any of the intellectual property sectors, such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights, must take the tests held in that section. Those who want to be registered as trademark agents should take the test conducted by the Registrar of Trademarks, which is the Trademarks Law Exam. To become a patent agent, however, one must pass the Indian Patent Agent examination administered by the Indian Patent Office (IPO).
Additional qualification
Once you’ve decided to become an expert in intellectual property, look for the credentials that will offer you an advantage over the competition. As in general LL.B., having a law degree is a prima facie need, although it is not necessarily sufficient. So, someone interested in the IPR field can pursue specialisation such as a diploma or certificate degree in the field, or pursue an LL.M in the topic. Though an LL. B degree is the sole qualification, a course, whether online or offline, should be preferable to gain a thorough understanding of the subject.
Colleges that offer IPR in LLM
Top colleges providing certificate course in Intellectual Property
| S. No. | Name of the College/ University/ Institute |
| 1. | Symbiosis Law School |
| 2. | National Law University |
| 3. | K.L.E. Society’s Law College |
| 4. | B.R. Nahata College of Pharmacy |
| 5. | NMIMS |
| 6. | Indian Law Institute |
| 7. | Global Institute of Intellectual Property |
| 8. | Shahaji Law College |
Syllabus of IP law
| Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights | Maintenance of Intellectual Property |
| Patent Law | Industrial Design |
| Trademark Law | Advance Topic in IP |
| Copyright Law | IP Dispute Resolution |
| Geographical Conditions | Technological and Legal Transfer |
| Trade Secrets | Patent Process |
| Patent Litigation | Plant Variety Rights |
Expertise
Every law is unique, therefore research what the need for the law is, as well as the law’s position on trademarks, copyright, geographical indications, patents, and other international issues before deciding on a field. It’s possible that you’ll have to deal with a variety of legal issues, not just intellectual property law, so be prepared. Make sure you have a diverse set of expertise so you don’t fall behind.
Internships
Internships are a common feature of many universities’ curriculum. This is done so that the person can better understand his or her field of interest and obtain practical experience working in it. Practical knowledge will assist you in comprehending the workings and real requirements of the area, which will prove beneficial in the future. When you are looking for a job, this will help you get a head start. A candidate with IPR experience will always be given preference over someone who is new to the sector. Internships help you develop as a person.
Few IP firms where one can go for an internship
Publications
As you pursue knowledge in this subject, research and publications linked to IPR will boost your CV. Research and publications frequently necessitate a high level of commitment and aid in the gathering of vast amounts of information on the subject. It allows you to look for flaws and analyse them critically. Being a lawyer necessitates the development of two skills: research and critical analysis and having publications helps in enhancing skills.
Self-marketing
When it comes to human resource management, law is no different than any other profession. As a result, a lawyer who is interested in IPR should advertise himself/herself as such, just like other professionals. Attending conferences, obtaining customers through referrals at the outset, establishing a major presence on online social media platforms, and becoming affiliated with a top-tier law firm are all examples of strategies to market oneself.
Aptitude
Skills and aptitude are essential for making a lasting impression on consumers and competition. Competencies that are relevant When it comes to choosing the ideal skills for oneself, drawing, research, and good orator skills are only a few of the essential necessities. When a patent is submitted, for example, it could be in a variety of sectors such as software, science, medicine, and so on. As a result, having a broad understanding of all fields will help you better grasp the idea, which will help you obtain a patent for the product.
Negotiation and management skills are essential because they are also involved in safeguarding and advising on the commercial use of IPRs.
Regardless of the industry or area of law, networking is critical to success. Networking will enable you to meet more people who share your interests. This can assist you to maintain your friendship while also keeping you informed about what’s going on in the arena.
Strengthen your interest
Since you’ve already decided on this as a professional path, devise a strategy to keep current and allow your interest to grow in the subject. If you become bored with the nature of your work and lose your focus, you’ll automatically lose ground on yourself and others in the competition. If you want to alter your field of expertise, make the change before it’s too late.
Have enough knowledge
If you have a degree but no knowledge, it will not help you in the long run. So, along with your degree, consider the value of your speciality. Keep up with the most recent historic cases and statute modifications. This will keep you up to date on the current legal situation.
Top Indian firms to work in the IP sector
| S. No. | Firm |
| 1. | Anand and Anand |
| 2. | Krishna & Saurastri |
| 3. | Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan |
| 4. | Remfry & Sagar |
| 5. | Saikrishna & Associates |
| 6. | Singh & Singh |
| 7. | Biswajit Sarkar & Associates |
| 8. | Khurana & Khurana |
| 9. | Khaitan & Co. |
| 10. | Lall & Sethi |
| 11. | AZB & Partners |
| 12. | Lex Orbis |
| 13. | Rahul Chaudhry & Partners (earlier Lall Lahiri & Salhotra) |
Payscale of a career in Intellectual Property
| Job Title | Range | Average |
| Patent Agent | ₹261k – ₹710k | ₹428,448 |
| Intellectual Property (IP) Analyst | ₹286k – ₹979k | ₹339,012 |
| Senior Associate, Patent | ₹140k – ₹1m | ₹503,153 |
| Intellectual Property (IP) Attorney | ₹295k – ₹1m | ₹588,000 |
| Associate Attorney | ₹223k – ₹1m | ₹400,000 |
| Legal Counsel | ₹749k – ₹900k | ₹796,095 |
| Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer | ₹295k – ₹610k | ₹500,000 |
| Intellectual Property (IP) Specialist | ₹442k – ₹916k | ₹610,802 |
| Patent Attorney | ₹497k – ₹3m | ₹850,000 |
| Associate Attorney (Law Firm) | ₹303k – ₹610k | ₹489,796 |
Conclusion
Building a career as an IPR lawyer will undoubtedly necessitate some extra effort and hard work in order to get the necessary knowledge and experience. Once you’ve completed the first step, your career will take off, and you’ll be able to have a stabilised job, take on cases, demonstrate your knowledge, and enjoy your progress. The potential for a rewarding career in this profession is fairly considerable, so get started as soon as possible.
References
- https://legodesk.com/blog/legal-practice/9-tips-to-build-a-career-as-an-intellectual-property-lawyer/
- https://career.webindia123.com/career/options/law_socialscience/intellectual-property-attorney-as-a-career/index.htm
- https://collegedunia.com/courses/certificate-course-in-intellectual-property-ccip
- https://blog.ipleaders.in/best-ip-law-firms-to-work-for-in-india-for-lawyers-under-35/
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