The Patent Agent - Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

PROFILE: PATENT AGENT DANIEL POH
Back in 2000, engineer Daniel Poh took a pay cut
to become a trainee patent agent at Marks & Clerk
Singapore LLP, one of Singapore’s top IP firms and
part of Marks & Clerk’s global network of offices. Now a
partner at the same firm, he looks back on the “fulfilling
and satisfying journey” with gladness.
Work as a patent agent is rewarding because a patent
agent serves as a bridge between law and technology
and can contribute in many ways, said Daniel.
“At the IP conceptualisation stage,” he explained,
“a patent agent can help to harvest IP by identifying
the type of IP created and classifying it accordingly.
We assist IP creators to secure registration of their
IP rights.”
Patent agents help with the enforcement of IP rights too.
For instance, they analyse if a competitor’s products
falls within the scope of a patent and recommend
suitable enforcement actions.
They also assist IP owners with licensing and contract
arrangements to monetise their IP.
Patent agents can also move to executive or
management positions. As the head of the IP
department, they would implement IP strategies to
maximise financial returns on the company’s IP assets.
To be able to perform all these roles, a patent agent
needs both soft and hard skills.
The hard skills include sound technical or scientific
knowledge, detailed knowledge of IP law and good
written and oral communication skills.
Patent agents also need to be logical thinkers, possess
some business acumen and strong analytical skills.
“These skills are useful when interacting with clients and
inventors, studying inventions and patent documents,
and when drafting patent specifications, legal opinions
and submissions to patent office examiners.”
THE INS AND OUTS OF BEING A PATENT AGENT
A career as a patent agent is the new face of opportunity.
In recent years, an explosion in technology and scientific knowledge has led to an upsurge in the number of patents filed
worldwide. Globally, patent filings have increased to around two million annually. The growth is particularly pronounced in East
Asia, which has overtaken North America and Western Europe in the number of patent applications in multiple jurisdictions.
Consequently, there are many opportunities for patent agents to be employed in private companies, law firms, government
agencies, universities and science and technology companies. Some may even choose to be self employed.
In all, a career as a patent agent is one of the most fascinating and challenging careers available in the market right now.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
A patent agent renders his professional advice on the patentability of an invention and the drafting of the patent specifications
for patent applications. He also acts principally for his clients in the prosecution of patents and may advise them on filing
strategies.
PREREQUISITES:
• A bachelor’s degree in a field of engineering or physical science
• A Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law
• Passed the Patent Agents Qualifying Examination
• Completed internship in patent agency work under the supervision of a registered patent agent, or be registered as a
patent agent or its equivalent in an approved country or territory for 12 months.
• Be certified by IPOS as a Singapore Registered Patent Agent
• Strong analytical, reasoning and investigative skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally
• Familiarity with the requirements of the patent laws in the jurisdictions that you practise in, with general knowledge of
patent laws in other jurisdictions