Aerospace Engineering to Patent/IP Law

<p>First off, I am currently an undergrad studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. I have always been interested in the Aeronautical industry but I have recently become very intrigued with IP law. Most of my father's friends are well known patent and contract attorneys in Virginia/D.C. and have really been a large influence on my career choice. Also, I am going to intern at one of their private firms this upcoming summer to ensure that it is the right field for me.</p>

<p>However, I am concerned about whether or not my major will be entirely helpful in the patent business.
My father's friend is an Electrical Engineer and his partner is a Mechanical Engineer and, to say the least, they are very successful at what they do and at acquiring jobs. </p>

<p>I'm aware that the market will inevitably change in the next 10, 20, even 30+ years so it is hard to determine but, will my major be suitable for finding future inventors? I take many ME courses along with my coursework and much of the same preliminary courses plus all of the standard science courses that all engineers take so I have this, of course. But what types of applications could I draft? What if I partner with an EE or something similar or even continue to expand my knowledge past Aerospace-related applications and learn what I need to in order to write patents in many different areas? </p>

<p>Current patent attorneys' advice about what they have seen/experienced would be best but anyone with knowledge in this business is welcome.</p>

<p>Cheers</p>

<p>Figure out where you want to live and search employment ads in that area. Ask these partners how many aerospace engineers they have hired in the last five years, and how many have applied. </p>

<p>If aerospace is particularly hot in one area of the country, generally, the patent law would be done there, too.</p>