Patent Attorneys

September 23, 2008
Intellectual Property News and Interesting Facts

If you are an inventor you can make the initial application for a patent yourself, however, it is a sensible idea to make use of patent attorneys to do the job on your behalf. This is because of the complex nature and requirements of the Patents Act.

Patent attorneys are able to give you sound advice about your invention and whether it can be patented. Attorneys have to pass examinations that are set by the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law in Johannesburg before they can call themselves a Patent Attorney.

Having passed the exams they are bound by a code of ethics that is administered by the Institute. In addition to their Law Degree and the Institute examinations, patent attorneys in this country must also possess either an engineering or a science degree.

The reason for this is that patent attorneys must be able to understand and interpret the technical drawings and description that usually accompany an application for a patent.