Intellectual Property Lawyer

Overview

Intellectual Property Lawyers provide legal advice, prepare and draft legal documents, and conduct negotiations on behalf of clients on matters associated with protecting intellectual capital, utilising patent law, copyright law and licensing.

Day-to-day

• receives written information in the form of briefs and verbal instructions concerning cases from solicitors, other specialist legal professionals and clients
• provides advice and written opinions on points of intellectual property law
• confers with clients and witnesses in preparation for court proceedings
• draws up pleadings, affidavits and other court documents
• researches statutes and previous court decisions relevant to cases
• outlines the facts to the court, calls up and questions witnesses and addresses the court to argue a client's case
• provides opinion on complex intellectual property issues
• may draw up or settle documents
• interviews clients to determine the nature of problems, then recommends and undertakes appropriate legal action
• prepares cases for court by conducting investigations, undertaking research, giving notice of court actions and arranging the preparation and attendance of witnesses
• prepares and critically reviews contracts between parties.

Considerations

• stressful.