11. Patent Attorney vs. Patent Agent

What are the key differences between a patent attorney and a patent agent? 
In this episode, Jamie and Samar dispel the myths surrounding patent attorneys and patent agents. They specify the qualifications a patent attorney and patent agent must have and what actions fall under their jurisdictions, respectively.  

Takeaways:
Both patent attorneys and agents are required to take the patent bar exam, which qualifies them to represent people in front of the USPTO. Patent agents are restricted strictly to the legal representation of clients in front of the patent office. However, patent attorneys can operate anywhere the law and the patent office intersect. Regarding more complex legal consultations that are not confined to the patent office, an attorney is often better equipped to handle them. Generally, attorneys charge more than agents, but this varies depending on the agent's or attorney's experience and market.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction 
2:11 - How do patent agents get registration numbers?
2:49 - Patent bar exams 
4:00 - Qualifications to take the exam
4:45 - What can agents and attorneys do and not do?
5:50 - Cost differences
6:56 - Appeal Briefs 
7:49 - At what stage do you need to get an attorney?
8:50 - Closing thoughts