The IP industry is everywhere. It is one of the common denominators of small and giant companies. From logos to unique technologies created and derived from companies’ research programs, data analysis, market shares, and other business aspects, intellectual property is virtually involved in all levels of company operations. The business elements under intellectual property such as logos, technology, or software, became the marketing leverage in some companies. Intellectual property relates to anything that is valuable to the company. That is why so many companies are setting up a team of IP specialists, to safeguard the competitiveness of companies such as product manufacturers and service provider; people who are expert in handling IP issues and security are hired. In addition to the IT maintenance staff, IP specialists— people who are skilled in managing IP software, laws, and regulations—are now incorporated into the operating, publicity, and marketing segment of most companies to work every advantage of the company.
More and more industries are absorbing careers that are related to IP security and protection. In the biotechnology industry, biotechnology intellectual property is considered the key factor to the economic growth and advancement of the industry sectors since it pushes the frontiers of human knowledge in creating intellectual properties. Since patents add to the value of products and services that are derived from their research studies, maintaining hold of their intellectual property will provide incentive to investment in their biotechnology development.
Intellectual Property-Related Jobs
Jobs that are related to IP technology primarily handle and manage licensable technologies. They work to give the company the advantage of using a unique and revolutionary technology that they have created and keep that technology exclusively to their use. They are involved in IP technology security and protection and technology law transactions. For instance, IP legal counsels represent the segment of the company that takes the responsibility to comply with the industry’s IP policy systems as well as its commercial transactions.
To ensure market access and further investments in a company, people with IT and legal qualifications are hired to protect the exclusive rights of the scientists and technologists such as inventors, artists, designers, and computer programmers hired by the company since their output is part of the company’s responsibility. Patent grants; utility model registration; industrial design registration; trademark registration; technology transfer licenses; administrative adjudication for IP; enforcement of IP rights; and information, education, and copyright support services are the general responsibilities of technology jobs that do intellectual property work. Depending on their job description, they may be involved in the organization of legal papers or requirements in completing the company’s intellectual asset portfolio. These jobs play the crucial roles in establishing a systematic way of bringing sustainable benefit, higher efficiency, and reduced technical and financial risks for the company.
Qualifications
Engineers, lawyers, IT specialists, programmers, and solicitors are just few of the title positions that may required of an IP job. For legal counsel positions, companies will most likely hire a qualified patent attorney or a solicitor with commercial experience for the job since they are to provide comprehensive legal support to technology and IP related activities. Experienced patent agents and patent attorneys also fall under certain categories of IP-related jobs. Aside from lawyers, experienced electrical, mechanical, and software engineers in the telecommunication industry make ideal candidates for most IP-related careers. Careers in intellectual property primarily require related professional experience, related educational background, license of practice for lawyers and counsels, and post graduate degrees for engineers or agents. These jobs may also involve a lot of traveling since these employees would represent the company in almost all aspects of the company’s operations.
As much as careers related to IP software and technology such as the IP biotechnologies are in demand, they are also very competitive and rewarding. More than that, their stimulating work environment provides excellent growth opportunities and benefit packages.
Future
In recent decades, countries’ IP assets have taken a fraction of the economy. Conceptual assets have become essential to the GDP more than the physical assets. Economic trends have shifted the emphasis from physical properties to IP assets, making IP protection and security among companies’ top priorities. Intellectual property is an intangible wealth that provides immense economic benefit to the economy. That is why experts predict that the demand for IP-related jobs will continue to rise during the next decade.
- See Top 10 Reasons Most Law Firms Have No Idea How to Hire and Evaluate Patent Attorneys for more information.
