Patent Information Specialists are responsible for making sure that patent information is used to best advantaged in their organisations and that it is disseminated throughout the organisation. Few information staff, apart from those working in multinational companies specialise just in patents work. It is more likely to be part of a larger job description. The field is a complex one, 80% of what is published in patents is not published elsewhere.
Job description
Patents and Trademark information specialists may have a first degree in science or law followed by a qualification in library science or certification in patents information. Essential skills include accuracy, numeracy, attention to detail and technical online skills. Tasks typically undertaken include:
- Analysis the literature in order to assist in determinations of patentability and infringement, producing written reports or spreadsheets. Need to be able to understand the technical nature of what they are finding and to interpret the technical and legal language.
- Interpret requests for patent information; design strategies for the retrieval, analysis, evaluation and reporting of information from a variety of information sources.
- Provide current awareness reports on specific projects or competitive products. Being aware of national and international patent legislation.
- Respond to requests for information, news, trends and competitive information using electronic sources and hard copy sources, such as journals, reports, conference papers, thesis and other grey literature.
- Be proficient in searching scientific, patent and technical databases, learning the search strategies of the various systems.
- Identify, develop and support partnerships with key stakeholders in the organisation.
- Evaluate new databases, information systems and technologies related to patents and trademarks.
Pay and conditions
Pay for Patent and Trademark Information Specialists is slightly higher than other sectors, starting salaries range from £17000 - £27000. CILIP does not have a separate guide for salaries in patents. There is however a guide for law librarians.
Further Information
CILIP members can join a special interest group PATMG
Updated: 14 April 2008