Patent examiners are skilled STEM professionals who work closely with entrepreneurs to process their patent applications and determine whether a patent can be granted. This work facilitates the United States Patent and Trademark Office's mission to protect intellectual property and help businesses quickly move their innovations to market, creating new jobs and expanding commerce. Learn more about our mission.
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What does a patent examiner do?
A patent examiner is a federal employee who examines patent applications to determine whether or not a patent can be granted for various new inventions, many of which are on the cutting edge of tomorrow’s technological breakthroughs.
Patent examiners review two main types of applications: design patents and utility patents. Design patents protect the ornamental appearance of an article (e.g., a watch face), while utility patents protect an invention (e.g., the watch itself). A third, less-common type of application is for plant patents, which protect newly invented or discovered asexually reproduced non-tuber plant varieties.
As a patent examiner, you will:
- Search all known technological knowledge ("prior art") to ensure that an invention is new and unique
- Review patent applications to ensure conformity to formal requirements
- Write office actions communicating your findings on patentability to inventors and patent practitioners
What does it take to become a patent examiner?
What kind of degree do I need to apply, and which vacancy do I need to apply to?
For example, professionals with bachelor’s degrees ranging from engineering, mathematics, astronomy, space science, geophysics, oceanography, or hydrology could all apply to the "Patent Examiner (Physics)" vacancy when it is open. To see more details about which degrees best fit with which patent examiner vacancies, view this chart.
You can also attend one of our upcoming webinars or office hours to chat with a current patent examiner, or email us at JoinUSPTO@uspto.gov with your specific question.
What is the starting salary for a patent examiner?
What is the typical hiring timeline to fill a patent examiner vacancy?
- Week 1-2: HR reviews applications for qualifications (2.5 weeks)
- Weeks 3-8: Hiring officials review applications, conduct interviews, and make selections (4 weeks)
- USAJOBS status update: "Selected or Not Selected"
- Week 9 -10: HR extends job offers and performs background investigations (1-3 weeks)