Patent Agents are licensed to:
- prepare and file patent applications
- prosecute applications through the complex examination process in the Patent Office
- represent parties in all proceedings in the Patent Office
- conduct other business in the Patent Office
Unlike Patent Attorneys, Patent Agents are not required to attend law school and are not licensed to practice law. Consequently, patent agents should not offer legal opinions, represent parties in litigation, draft legal agreements and perform other law related services.
Patent Agents are required to:
- have earned a degree in a technical subject, such as engineering, chemistry or physics.
- pass a federally administered patent examination
- abide by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office professional rules of conduct
See also Patent Attorneys.