Program Overview

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Master's in Patent Practice Program

The Master's in Patent Practice program is designed to prepare students for careers as patent agents. Students must be eligible to sit for the patent bar exam, which requires an undergraduate degree in engineering, computer science, or a physical or biological degree. This degree is a viable alternative for students who want to pursue a career in patent practice without having to take the full three-year JD. Merit scholarships are available.

Program Overview

The program is the first of its kind in Ohio, and one of only a handful in the nation. The demand for patent agents is growing. According to the USPTO, there are about 11,000 registered patent agents. Because of the greater scientific expertise and the ability to prepare, file and prosecute patent applications, patent agents are in demand at many law firms and corporate legal departments.

Career Opportunities

A patent agent is one who has passed the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) patent bar and is registered to file patent applications with the USPTO. Patent agents can work for law firms, practice as solo practitioners or work in the legal department of a company. They are also eligible to work as patent examiners at the USPTO. Many inventions are based on science, which is why patent agents possess a background in science or engineering before taking the patent bar.

Salary Information

The national average salary for patent agents in 2019 is $121,663. The average salary for a patent agent in Cleveland is $100,368.

Program Details

• The program requires an undergraduate degree in engineering, computer science, or a physical or biological degree.
• Students must be eligible to sit for the patent bar exam.
• Merit scholarships are available.
• The program is designed to prepare students for careers as patent agents.
• The demand for patent agents is growing, with about 11,000 registered patent agents in the USPTO.

Testimonial

"I'm very appreciative for the opportunity to go through the Master's in Patent Practice program. It's a phenomenal program for students like me, and highly complementary to the existing programs at the law school." — Deepa Mishra, first graduate of the Master's in Patent Practice program

Academics

The Master's in Patent Practice program is part of the university's academic offerings, which include:

• JD Programs
• LLM Programs
• SJD Programs
• Master's Programs
  • Master's in Patent Practice
    • MPP FAQs
    • MPP Courses
  • Master of Law Programs
  • Master of Compliance and Risk Management
• Certificates
• Study Abroad
• Student Handbook
• Bar Support
• Academic Calendar

Centers and Institutes

The university is home to several centers and institutes, including:

• Burke Environmental Law Center
• Business Law Center
• Center for Professional Ethics
• Compliance Institute
• Cox International Law Center
• Law-Medicine Center
• Law, Technology & the Arts
• Social Justice Law Center

Practical Training

The university offers practical training opportunities, including:

• Law Clinic
• Labs and Practicums
• Externships
• 1L First Client Contact Experience
• LLEAP
• Student Experiences

Career Support

The university provides career support services, including:

• Career Resources for Students
• Career Resources for Employers
• Career Resources for Alumni
• ABA Disclosures and Employment Outcomes