If you work in technology or innovation, you have probably heard of a patent attorney or a patent lawyer. But do you know the difference between them? Although these terms are often used to refer to the same experts, they are two different roles. In this blog I will explain the difference between the two.
The difference between a patent attorney and a patent lawyer
Let's get straight to the point: the difference between a patent attorney and a patent lawyer is that a patent attorney has a technical background and is usually an engineer, chemist, computer scientist or similar. A patent lawyer has a purely legal background. In short, one is an engineer and the other is a lawyer, but you need both to properly protect your innovation.
Different problems, different specialist
When you need a patent attorney and when you need a patent lawyer depends on the challenges you face. They speak different languages and solve different problems. But both are the right people to talk to if you want to protect your invention or already hold a patent.
Your patent attorney is the person to talk to about the technical side of your invention. They write the application and translate the technology involved in your innovation into what you could call ‘patent language.’ To be able to do this, your patent attorney will have received legal training after completing their technical training so that they can put your technological innovation in the right legal context and guide it through the whole grant procedure.
Your patent lawyer steps in when there is a dispute or legal action. Patent lawyers are not involved in writing the patent application but can play a key role in drafting non-disclosure agreements, licensing agreements, GDPR compliance and other legal matters.
Specialists with an international network
Our patent attorneys have the expertise to write your patent application and support you at every stage of the grant procedure. We also oversee the process in every country where you file. We do this through partnerships with patent attorneys in the countries in which you seek protection.
EP&C does not employ patent lawyers. Instead, we work closely with a network of specialist law firms. This enables us to bring together the right people to assist you in all aspects of intellectual property law.
Want to protect your invention with a patent? Get in touch. We'll be happy to help. If you are unsure whether you need a patent attorney or patent lawyer, contact us anyway and we'll put you in touch with the right expert.
