Gregory S. Rosenblatt
Partner at Wiggin and Dana
28 Years in the IP Law profession.
How did you get into a career in IP law?
I have a degree in Materials Science and Engineering, a degree in science or technology is a requirement for admission to the Patent Bar. I was working as an engineer when the company developed a new product. The company had me explain how the product worked to this patent attorney and he suggested I look into the field. I did so and was intrigued. I then went to law school in the evening while continuing work as an engineer. After graduating law school, I sat for and passed both a State Bar and the Patent Bar.
Why did you think this would be a good career for you?
In high school I was interested in both science and the law. I chose to major in engineering in college figuring it was a more secure profession. After working as an engineer for a few years, I realized that I would rather write about the work rather than actually do it. I went to law school in the evenings while working as an engineer. After law school, I was faced with two hurdles. In addition to being required to pass a state bar to practice law, I had to pass the patent bar administered by the United States Patent and Trademark Office which, at the time, had pass rate much lower than any state bar.
I have now been a practicing patent attorney for 29 years. If you have a passion for science and the law, no profession is better. The patent attorney gets to meet with leading scientists world-wide and work with them to get their inventions patented. This results in travel to many parts of the world and frequent trips to the Patent Office in Arlington, VA. In addition to meeting great people and wonderful travel, the pay has not been bad.
It provides a great opportunity for getting involved in cutting-edge technologies.
What are the top 3 things you really like about working in IP law?
- Meeting with top-notch scientist and engineers.
- Traveling to distant locations to meet with inventors.
- Seeing a product covered by a patent I drafted in commerce.
Do you have any tips for people who are looking for their first job in the field?
Sharpen your writing skills. The ability to accurately put an inventor’s ideas on to paper is key.