IP Paralegal Job Description
IP, or intellectual property, law is the field devoted to patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, explains the American Bar Association. IP paralegals are part of the team of professionals who work in IP law offices.
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Function
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The purpose of IP paralegals is to conduct clerical and background research work, allowing intellectual property attorneys to focus on preparing for hearings and trials, conferring with clients and meeting with opposing lawyers.
Duties
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IP paralegals interview people who will testify in cases or experts, such as individuals well-versed in specific types of technology being disputed in an intellectual property case. Paralegals also fill out necessary paperwork, such as patent applications, research similar intellectual property cases, and may handle some clerical duties like filing.
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Education
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Most employers prefer to hire IP paralegals who have associate degrees in paralegal studies and who have completed some coursework in intellectual property. A few colleges offer bachelor's degrees for paralegals as well.
Certification
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After working in the field for roughly five years, intellectual property paralegals can pursue voluntary certification from the American Alliance of Paralegals. This certification often make paralegals in the field more attractive to potential employers, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Compensation
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In 2007, the average annual salary earned by intellectual property paralegals was $67,300, reports Paralegal Today.
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