1L summer with patent search firm: Global Patent Solutions Forum

[DecisionMaker100]

Hello everyone,

I have an offer for a 1L summer with the patent search firm Global Patent Solutions where I had to go through three rounds of interviews for the position which is in Scottsdale, Arizona: https://www.globalpatentsolutions.com/

I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with the firm, or with similar firms? I have another offer from my school to work as a research assistant, which pays the same amount as the job with global patent solutions, and I'm trying to decide between the two.

[ksb1]

Did you end up taking this job? What was your experience with the company?

[Anonymous User]

I suppose it's not a bad opportunity, especially if you're interested in focusing on patent prosecution, but even then what you'd be doing is a very, very narrow sub-field within patent prosecution. It's not a bad 1L summer job, just very niche, and probably going to consist of some very repetitive prior art searches.

If you can land a position with a small IP boutique I think you'd gain much more valuable experience (even as an unpaid law clerk, if you can do that financially). Just being able to go into OCI and job interviews and saying "I helped draft a patent/trademark application" will be so much more valuable.

Person with PhD below, I think you should definitely have more options.

Hello everyone,

I have an offer for a 1L summer with the patent search firm Global Patent Solutions where I had to go through three rounds of interviews for the position which is in Scottsdale, Arizona: https://www.globalpatentsolutions.com/

I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with the firm, or with similar firms? I have another offer from my school to work as a research assistant, which pays the same amount as the job with global patent solutions, and I'm trying to decide between the two.

[jhett]

If you are doing it part time while in school, then I think it's fine in order to gain a little bit of experience and some pocket money. However, I would avoid summer or full-time work if possible. The prior art searches and other work that these companies do are some of the most mundane and least challenging parts of patent practice. That's why it's outsourced from firms to these companies. Echoing the above poster, actual substantive experience is much more valuable and marketable.

[ksb1]

Thanks for the info!

[Anonymous User]

Thanks for the info. It is a 4 week "winter program", so not my 1L Summer Job (which is elsewhere). Leaning toward yes because it will be some experience and money over a time where I would otherwise be doing nada. Main source of skepticism is that they provide one big house for the 3 interns to live in.

Sounds freaking fun. I really don't see the downside. Also if I were you, I'd be more careful about posting very specific information about offers to small places; any lawyer at that firm who might read this forum could potentially figure out who you are.

[ballouttacontrol]

don't do this for your summer, especially 1L summer, unless you somehow cant get almost literally anything else.

Patent searching really isn't even legal work and you will very rarely if ever do your own searches if you go to an established patent law firm

edit: if u just wanna make a few $ part-time during the school year, meh, whatever, but don't expect it to provide you any useful skills or anything

[elendinel]

I don't think it's a bad option, but do understand it is unlikely to help you get even an iota closer to a patent job. Taking the Patent Bar would be a better use of your time.