How Much Do Patent Attorneys Make?

Patent attorneys are not just lawyers, but lawyers who have specialized in the highly complex field of intellectual property and patent law. Because patent attorneys generally have advanced degrees or certifications, they typically earn higher salaries than general civil attorneys. In 2005, the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) estimated that the average salary for patent attorneys was over $180,000 a year.

A bachelor's degree in science or engineering is generally required to take the patent bar exam, but many firms will expect a higher degree to go along with this experience. Accordingly, patent attorneys, in addition to writing and prosecuting patent applications, may also prepare for infringement cases and offer legal advice to businesses and individuals concerning patent litigation to justify their higher salary.
Types
Patent attorneys earning the highest salaries are those at the top of the pay scale, such as partners in large private firms. These lawyers earn approximately $300,000 a year, according to statistics given to the AIPLA in a survey of its members. Associates in smaller private firms will make less, or approximately $125,000 a year, as reported by AIPLA. AIPLA also estimates that the average starting salary for a patent attorney with minimal experience is $100,000 a year. Experience, training and background can also affect patent attorney salaries. Regardless, these numbers are still significantly higher than those for most attorneys in non-patent practices.
Function
The function of patent attorney salaries is to to reward those attorneys with highly specialized experience who are useful to those law firms with a business or contract practice. Patent law lawyers are especially in demand now that technology and Internet developments have created unique patent law issues that require the specialized and complex research, representation and litigation skills of the patent lawyer.
Considerations
Due to the fact that patent attorneys need advanced degrees and certification, those high patent attorney salaries may be offset by law school tuition costs and student loans. Regardless, patent law is a field that is only expanding as technology and invention expand, and the need for patent attorneys will only increase thus justifying their high salaries.