Patent Attorneys’ Work Increases Due to Changes in Law

A recent article in Crain’s Cleveland Business interviews some local patent attorneys whose business will be affected by the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, which was signed into law in September.  As mandated by the Act, in March 2013 there will be a switch from a first-to-invent system to a first-to-file system.  This makes the turn around time for completion of legal work more critical.  The Act makes other far-reaching changes including changes to what is required to obtain a patent.    Some local attorneys are adding associates to help.  You can read the article on Lexis: Michell Park, Patent Work Gears Up, Crain’s Cleveland Business 10/31/2011.

If you are interested in a career in patent law, check out the library’s Intellectual Property Career Research Guide and/or talk to the friendly and knowledgable folks at C|M|LAW’s Office of Career Planning.

(Picture is U.S. Patent No. 6,009,566 (Head and Neck Support for Racing))