Education · 1 of 5

The path

Same lawyer's licence, but the undergrad degree matters more here than in any other specialty.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Physics, chemistry, biology or computer science if you want patents. English regardless.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Engineering, computer science, chemistry or life sciences for patent work. Any degree for trademarks and copyright. Write the LSAT (law school admission test).

3. 3

   Law school (JD, juris doctor)

   3 years

   Take intellectual property, technology law and Federal Court practice. The University of Ottawa and Osgoode Hall are known for it, and Osgoode runs a term-long intellectual property placement program.

4. 4

   Articling

   About 1 year

   8 to 10 months at an intellectual property boutique or a big firm's group, plus the barrister and solicitor licensing exams. Ontario's Law Practice Program is the alternative.

5. 5

   Agent licence, optional

   1 to 2 more years

   Work under a registered patent or trademark agent, then pass the agent exams run by the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.