Patent Agent FAQ

Q: What is a patent agent?

In the USA, A patent agent is someone who is licensed by the United
States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to represent clients in
patent proceedings before the USPTO.

Q: Is that the same as a patent attorney?

Yes and No. Yes, as far as the USPTO is concerned about patent
proceedings. No, in that a patent attorney can represent a client
outside of a USPTO patent proceeding, such as in trademark
proceedings in the USPTO, in an appeal of a USPTO decision to
federal court, or in patent litigation.

Licensing of patent agents and attorneys outside the USA may be
different, and is not addressed in this FAQ.

Q: Can patent agents give legal advice?