Patent Examiner

Patent Examiner

  1. What does a Patent Examiner do?
    Patent Examiners investigate patent applications and report on whether they comply with the requirements of Australian patent legislation before granting patent rights for new inventions. The work of Patent Examiners is technically complex, involving knowledge of technical processes used in industry and advances in scientific research. It also involves making legalistic decisions based on a knowledge of patent law.
  2. Why does a Patent Examiner do this?
    What do Albert Einstein, Thomas Jefferson and Gavin Bartell have in common? They have all worked as Patent Examiners.
    Patent Examiners do important work that supports the economy and ensures that credit is given where credit is due, protecting the public interest when it comes to intellectual property. It is a very challenging and varied role, meaning no two days will be the same. Exposure to the newest innovations first can also be very exciting and stimulating.
  3. How does a Patent Examiner do their job?
    To perform the examination work, a Patent Examiner uses a variety of tools including in-house and worldwide patent and technical databases, procedural manuals, legislation and their own intellectual capabilities and technical knowledge.
  4. Where do Patent Examiners do their job?
    A Patent Examiner works in an office environment, examining Australian and international patent applications.
  5. Minimum degree required
    An Bachelor of Science with qualifications and experience in:
    • Mechanical engineering
    • Medical devices
    • Pure or applied chemistry
    • Industrial chemistry
    • Biotechnology
    • Computer engineering
    • Computer science
    • Electrical engineering
    • Pharmacology
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Biochemistry
    • Physics
    • Chemical engineering
    • Electronics
    • Telecommunications
  6. Average salary per year
    Patent Examiners with IP Australia have a salary range from $72,171 - $101,041.
  7. Job outlook
    The job prospects for people interested in this kind of work are good. Patent Examiners are typically employed by IP Australia, which takes in around 50 new Patent Examiners each year. Patent Examiners may also work in the commercial sector.
  8. Related occupations
    Chemist, Engineer, Physicist
  9. Companies that employ Patent Examiners
    IP Australia