Re: [PIUG List] Summary: requirements for becoming a professional patent searcher

Good work Martin. I'm looking forward to the "evolution" of this project.

I do have a couple of comments.

It's been my observation that a MLS/MLIS degree is less often listed in the
job requirements for a patent searcher position as opposed to, e.g., a
position involving a broader scope of subject matter and resources,
especially in academia. However, I've been told that many HR departments in
larger firms make an MLS/MLIS a requirement to demonstrate searching
experience for those really new to the field. For any searcher position,
prior searching experience often carries equal or even more weight than the
degree.

Not only do patent agents often become professional searchers but
professional searchers often make the effort to become patent agents (and
often continue to be professional searchers).

Professional Liability Insurance ("Omissions and Errors") may be a good idea
if one can get the appropriate coverage for something other than a king's
ransom. I've been informed that the opportunities are much better than they
were 13 years ago (when I was becoming a professional searcher). For
example, the ACS has reinstituted availability of professional liability
insurance although I've seen no evaluations or comparisons. At a minimum,
the new searcher should incorporate in some fashion (LLC, S Corporation,
etc.) and of course, keep a separate set of books. For both functions, the
engagement of a good accountant is usually sufficient and the advice of an
attorney may not be necessary.

-- Bob Buntrock
Buntrock Associates
Orono, ME

----- Original Message -----
From: "Martin Wallace" <Martin_Wallace_at_umit.maine.edu>
To: "PIUG Discussion List @ Listbox" <piug_discussion_list_at_v2.listbox.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 9:55 AM
Subject: [PIUG List] Summary: requirements for becoming a professional
patent searcher


> Dear PIUG:
>
> The following is a summary of responses to an inquiry that I made to the
> PIUG discussion email earlier this August. This summary is intended to
> provide information to newer information professionals with an interest in
> patent information and who are
> considering making patent information a major part of their career.
>
> * Currently there are no concrete requirements, licenses or certifications
> for becoming a professional patent searcher. This may change over the next
> few years.
> * It helps to have a degree in library/information science and a bachelors
> or advanced degree in the technical area appropriate to the type of patent
> searching you're interested in (usually mechanical, electrical, or
> chemical engineering).
> * For chemical and biochemical searching, it helps to have a masters or
> PhD in the subject area, but this is not usually the case for mechanical
> and electrical.
> * Some patent agents later become professional searchers. Their knowledge
> of patent law is highly beneficial for helping clients evaluate patent
> information. However it is not a requirement for searchers to have been
> agents or to know patent law.
> * The information professional should enjoy reading patents, not merely
> tolerate working with them.
> * Fluency in one or more of the following languages, besides English is
> useful: German, Japanese, and Chinese; other languages may also be useful.
> * Searchers should seek legal indemnity insurance for their safety, but
> this is not required. Patent searchers being held legally liable for
> 'malpractice' is practically unheard of (one respondent pointed out one
> case where a searcher was sued for
> overlooking a very obvious piece of prior art)
>
> Several responses to my inquiry were to inform me of specialized training
> programs available for those interested in becoming professional patent
> searchers. These seem to range from programs for the beginner with little
> or no knowledge of patent
> information to advanced seminars for continuing education.
>
> This and more, including a few of the more detailed responses I received,
> are posted on the PIUG wiki, but I don't think Tom is ready to unveil the
> wiki yet. Once it is available for public view, I will post a link to my
> page, and I'll start another
> page listing the training opportunities mentioned above.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Martin Wallace, Librarian
> Science & Engineering Center
> Raymond H. Fogler Library
> University of Maine
> Orono, ME 04469
> 207-581-1678
> fax: 207-581-1653
> martin.wallace_at_umit.maine.edu
> http://www.library.umaine.edu/staff/wallace.htm
>
>
>
>
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Received on Mon Sep 01 2008 - 21:22:27