News

In a world driven by innovation and technology, patent law is an exciting and fulfilling career path for engineers seeking new challenges and opportunities. At Hanley Flight & Zimmerman, we have witnessed firsthand how engineers can leverage their technical expertise to excel in patent law.

In addition to two of the firm’s founders, Mark Zimmerman and Mark Hanley, many of HFZ’s patent attorneys started their careers working in the engineering field before studying law.

“It’s a great career path for an engineer,” said Michael Zimmerman, an electrical engineer who transitioned to patent law and has been with HFZ for nearly two decades.

Another longtime HFZ patent attorney, Sergio Felice, worked as a mechanical engineer after earning his undergraduate degree. Reviewing patents during his time as an engineer opened his eyes to a more rewarding opportunity in intellectual property law.

“I always had a desire for learning about new technologies,” he said. “I realized that as a patent attorney, I could mesh the two worlds of engineering and law.”

HFZ protects the innovations of some of the world’s leading corporations, meaning our team is constantly exposed and learning about new technologies. In addition, here are more reasons why patent law is an ideal career pivot for engineers, and how HFZ provides the necessary training and mentorship for engineers looking to make this transition.

The Intersection of Engineering and Patent Law

Engineers are inclined to think analytically and solve complex problems, making them a perfect fit for patent law. At HFZ, we recognize that engineers bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to the legal world. Our team of patent attorneys and engineers have discovered the value of their engineering backgrounds in patent law, and they thrive in this dynamic environment.

Utilizing Technical Expertise: One of the key reasons engineers are drawn to patent law is the opportunity to apply their in-depth technical knowledge to protect and advocate for intellectual property. At HFZ, we focus on patent prosecution, the process of drafting and submitting patents for approval, and this focus gives our clients the highest patent protection available. Our patent engineers and attorneys at HFZ specialize in working with inventors, scientists, and engineers to secure patents for their groundbreaking inventions. This close alignment of skills and passion fosters a sense of purpose and satisfaction in our team members.

Problem Solving: Engineers are renowned problem solvers, and this skill translates seamlessly into the world of patent law. Identifying novel solutions to patentability challenges, analyzing intricate technical documents, and drafting forward-looking patent applications all require the same analytical thinking and innovative problem-solving mindset that engineers excel in. This foresight enables them to draft patent applications with a strategic edge, helping clients stay one step ahead in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

HFZ’s Approach to Career Transition

Transitioning from an engineering career to patent law may seem daunting. That’s why HFZ developed a structured pathway to help engineers successfully transition into this rewarding field. Our approach bridges the gap between engineers’ technical expertise and burgeoning legal knowledge.

Becoming a Patent Engineer: At HFZ, engineers first become patent engineers, a pivotal step in their journey to becoming patent attorneys. In this role, they work alongside seasoned patent attorneys, gaining invaluable experience in patent prosecution and patent portfolio management. This hands-on experience allows engineers to develop a deep understanding of patent law while leveraging their technical backgrounds.

Studying Law: We encourage our patent engineers to pursue legal studies, often through part-time or online programs, while they continue to work at HFZ as patent engineers. This dual approach ensures that they are well-equipped with both the legal expertise and engineering acumen required for success in patent law.

Mentorship and Guidance: HFZ is committed to providing mentorship and guidance throughout the career transition process. Our seasoned attorneys and patent engineers are readily available to support and mentor engineers at every step of their journey, offering insights, advice, and a supportive community.

How can I get started?

If you’re an engineer with a passion for innovation and an interest in intellectual property, consider making the career change to patent law with HFZ. Your engineering background is a valuable asset, and we are here to help you unlock your potential in the world of patent law. Contact us with your resume and embark on a rewarding career that combines your technical prowess with the intricacies of patent law.

June 23 is International Women in Engineering Day, an awareness campaign created to celebrate the work and achievements of women engineers.

As part of this year’s celebration, Hanley Flight & Zimmerman recognizes and applauds the contributions of our women engineers. We also sat down with two of our practitioners to listen to their stories about breaking through in male-dominated industries — engineering and patent law — and their thoughts on increasing the representation of women in these fields.

The number of women in architecture and engineering occupations in the workforce has only increased 11.1% in the last 40 years, to 16.1% in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Obviously, women in engineering fields are still woefully underrepresented. Only 1 in 10 employed electrical engineers in 2021 were women, out of nearly 280,000 nationwide, according to Census Bureau data.

Taylor Grote, a Patent Engineer at HFZ, saw these low percentages firsthand while studying for her bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Purdue University. During a summer internship, she said it was “in your face obvious that I would be working alongside mostly men for the foreseeable future.” One full-time mechanical engineer and one other intern were the only women in the company’s engineering department.

Those numbers didn’t discourage her from working in the field. In high school, Taylor excelled in math and loved all her history classes, leading to a suggestion from her father that she explore patent law as a career. After her summer internship and graduation, Taylor joined HFZ, where she helps the firm’s clients secure patent protection. She’s also enrolled in law school, continuing her quest from engineer to patent engineer to patent lawyer.

While women comprise 37% of licensed attorneys, they represent just 17% of patent attorneys, according to a 2021 American Bar Association survey. Taylor says being a woman engineer in Intellectual Property law holds personal significance.

“I took a very different career path than my girlfriends, which wasn’t necessarily easy. And not because engineering is harder, but simply because I’m not able to relate to their careers as easily and I was making different friends than them,” she said. “So at times, I may or may not have wanted to switch my career. But I didn’t switch — and I absolutely love where I’m at now.”

Marianne Buckley, a patent attorney and Capital Partner, agrees with Taylor that HFZ has supported them and their career growth. Before graduating law school and joining HFZ, Marianne earned a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and worked in the research and development department of a healthcare data analytics company. Today she prosecutes U.S. and foreign patent applications in the biomedical, mechanical and electro-mechanical arts, working with a wide variety of technologies, including medical devices, electronic user devices, automotive vehicles, aircraft, child care products, information and process management systems, and more.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities that HFZ has given me from day one to participate in many aspects of the firm, to interact with clients, and to develop my career in an environment that values hard work and professionalism,” she said.

Marianne says HFZ is “ahead of the game” in recruiting to increase the number of women in the field of patent law by attending engineering career fairs at universities.

“This enables us to introduce patent law as a career path for women pursuing an engineering degree earlier — as compared to engineers who may not be introduced to patent law until later in their careers while working in the industry,” she said, adding that HFZ also holds information sessions about patent prosecution for first- through third-year law students, furthering outreach.

Taylor says continuing to educate women, and girls, about the opportunities in engineering and patent law — in these ways and even earlier, such as in high schools — will help increase interest in these fields, and in turn produce the next generation of patent practitioners at HFZ and beyond. While more work needs to be done, nearly one-third — 28% — of HFZ’s practitioners are women.

“I think the environment at HFZ lends itself to support and encourage women to grow in the profession,” she said. That environment will continue to strengthen HFZ as it continues to grow with some of the most talented professionals in patent law.