Pre-Patent Law Undergraduate Major

Graduate School Law School
1

<p>Hey there, I am a high school senior who will be studying engineering in college next fall, and I am greatly interested in studying patent law after earning my undergraduate degree. Now, before anyone refers me to dadofsam's thread (which is fantastic, by the way), I'd like to point out that some of my concerns about my major and other law-school related things aren't specifically addressed in that post.</p>

<p>Specifically, I am debating between Computer and Mechanical engineering as an undergraduate major in preparation for studying patent law. I'm pretty sure that I would enjoy Mechanical engineering more, but I'm concerned that patent-able ideas related to computers and electronics may supersede those made in the field of mechanical engineering, which I fear might be somewhat phased out by the time I leave law school. Now, I know Mechanical engineering isn't likely disappearing anytime soon, but I'm worried that there might be less opportunity for a patent lawyer to succeed in that field. In short, I'm worried I will pick the wrong area of technical expertise and that my future job prospects/income will suffer as a result.</p>

<p>So to pose my questions in a straightforward manner</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Is it possible/likely that, in the near-ish future, a Mechanical engineering degree may not be as desirable as one in Computer engineering for a patent lawyer? Or is the broad nature of mechanical engineering enough to withstand the test of time?</p></li>
<li><p>Could a Computer Science or other scientific minor be a means of expanding my official areas of expertise, or would it not be considered in-depth enough to be a part of my repertoire as a patent attorney?</p></li>
<li><p>Would majoring in Mechanical Engineering completely bar me from participating in patent work in another technical area such as electronics/computers?</p></li>
<li><p>(This one is a bit off-topic) Can a person's SAT score provide any kind of prediction as to what kind of score they might expect on the LSAT?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks for your time and I greatly appreciate any informative responses.</p>

2

<p>Sounds like you missed my numerous statements that as a high school student it is far too soon to be thinking about a career in patent law.</p>

3

<ol>
<li>dadofsam is right. For now, just worry about selecting a major you enjoy and can excel in.</li>
<li>That is already the case. There is more work available now in patents if you have a Computer Engineering background. That is likely to continue into the foreseeable future.</li>
<li>Sure, but it’s all relative. I’ve known bioeng majors to do electrical patent work. I’ve also known computer eng majors who just couldn’t handle it. The crucial question is, can you do the work? Can you understand the complex subject matter the inventors bring, can you spot and capitalize on the subtle differences between what your applications disclose, what the references disclose, and what the Examiner alleges they each disclose? Can you write it out clearly and not leave any loopholes or weaknesses in your arguments?</li>
<li>No. A PTO registration number lets you represent ANY inventor, in any art.</li>
<li>I don’t know about the SAT, but here’s what definitely will provide a good prediction: take a lot of old actual LSATs, under timed conditions. </li>
</ol>