Perkins Coie understands the value in continued growth and development as you build your career in patent law.

Our firm culture encourages you to define and pursue your definition of success, while providing support and mentorship during the process.

Patent Agent Training Program

Our patent agent training program, critical to our success in serving clients, aims to expand Perkins Coie’s patent counseling and prosecution capabilities in emerging technologies and provide a clear career path for college graduates by taking an innovative yet practical approach. The program is structured to support technical advisors in becoming qualified as patent agents and subsequently in securing law degrees to practice as patent lawyers with the firm. The program also offers law school tuition and reflects the firm's commitment to improving diversity and inclusion (D&I) within the legal industry.

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Within the program, technical advisors collaborate with Perkins Coie patent lawyers, agents, and clients to understand prosecution strategies and contribute to developing a holistic approach to action responses and continuation recommendations. Participants gain extensive experience in drafting patent applications and office action responses. They are given the opportunity to build proficiency in evaluation patentability, assessing freedom to operate, and identifying invalidity. Technical advisors also engage in conducting inventor disclosure meetings and participating in examiner interviews and negotiations, among other responsibilities.

For decades, we have been intentional and consistent in our efforts to increase the diversity of our workforce and to advance the values of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Today, we are a far more diverse firm than ever before. We take pride in that diversity, and we see it as a core strength of our firm. It is key to our culture, our values, and our business strategy. It is fundamental to the way we connect with and serve our clients.

We are proud of our firm’s progress and even as the legal landscape evolves, our commitment to strengthening diversity and creating a more inclusive workplace remains steadfast.

 

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What Our People Say

Alice Jenkins

  

“Perkins Coie’s patent agent program combines my science background with my interest in law and intellectual property. My experience as a patent agent has allowed me to develop my legal analysis and communication skills while introducing me to new technologies.”

- Ali Jenkins, Patent Agent, New York

 
Lois Lee    

“Through this program, I hope to condense the insight and legal acuity of generations of lawyers at Perkins Coie to hone my personal craftsmanship and become an effective patent lawyer.”

- Lois Lee, Technical Advisor, New York

 
Image of David McNeill  

“As a software engineer who loved writing requirements specs, I had a suspicion that I might be cut out for something a little different from standard engineering! Thankfully, my experience at Perkins Coie has borne out this suspicion, and I want to continue to develop my legal skills in patent prosecution while staying open to the new opportunities and areas of expertise that the law can provide.”

- David McNeill, Technical Advisor, Boise

 
Bailey Meyer  

“I chose Perkins Coie for its culture. I have found Perkins Coie attorneys to be approachable and easy to work with. They care about each employee as a person. I also appreciate that Perkins Coie has fostered my personal growth – everyone has been so supportive of my attending law school while working and has helped me manage my commitments.”

- Bailey Meyer, Patent Agent, Palo Alto

 
Vishal Ravi  

“Since joining Perkins Coie, I’ve developed my persuasive writing, communication, and interpersonal skills, all while leveraging my scientific and analytical thinking skills daily. Being a patent agent lets me sit right at the confluence of technology, law, and human progress, which leads to an engaging, dynamic work life. ”

- Vishal (Vish) Ravi, Patent Agent, New York

Accolades

 
  • Ranked as a global, national, and regional leader in Intellectual Property (IP) law by publications including Chambers USA, IAM, and Managing IP.
  • Named the U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Law Firm of the Year” in Patent Law four times.
  • Recognized as a leader in innovation and technology for our patent portfolio tools by The American Lawyer and Financial Times.
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Innovative Patent Practices

Perkins Coie’s Patent Prosecution & Portfolio Counseling practice is one of largest within the Am Law 50, providing clients a full-service legal approach that increases the strength, diversity, and value of their patent portfolios. We’ve built our patent practice from the ground up to make sure we do not sacrifice quality when meeting clients’ deadlines or budgets. This allows our innovation to touch all aspects of the practice, including who we hire, how we prosecute applications, and the level of service we provide.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PATENT PROSECUTION & PORTFOLIO COUNSELING PRACTICE

Industries our Patent Agents Practice In

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