The Average Salary of a Patent Lawyer

Patent attorneys generally have a background in science or engineering.

Inventors and scientists who want to make money from their intellectual work hire patent attorneys to help them procure exclusive rights to profit from an idea. Patent attorneys also help clients make decisions about what process to follow and what to do if rights are violated.

Salary Range

The salary of a beginning patent attorney depends on a variety of factors. However, the lowest-paid start at about $45,000, while the average is $125,000 for a first-year associate. In 2008, the American Intellectual Property Law Association reported a median income for patent attorneys of $187,000, with the top 25 percent making $287,000 or more and the bottom 25 percent making less than $137,000.

Education

One of the factors affecting salary is the level of education an attorney possesses. Each patent attorney must attend law school and pass the bar exam. However, because patent law can be technical and complicated, those with master's degrees or Ph.D.s in science, engineering or technology earn higher salaries.

Years and Location of Practice

As with other areas of law, the place where an attorney works affects his salary. For example, universities hire patent attorneys to secure patents for their researchers. These attorneys are among the lowest-paid. Private law firms pay the most. Beginning attorneys are paid less than those with years of experience and solid track records. Partners in specialized intellectual law firms are the highest-paid patent attorneys.

References

• Pass the Patent Bar Exam and Begin Your Career in Patent Law
• Career Opportunities in Intellectual Property law: How Much Do Patent Agents and Attorneys Make?
• Your Career in Patent Law: Patent Agent/Attorney Salary Details