Patents Examiners

Patents Examiners investigate and report on patent applications to assess their compliance with the requirements of the Patents Act.

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Assesses whether patent applications provide an adequate technical description of the invention
  • Assess whether the patent rights sought are justified and match the invention's technical description
  • Searches online databases to discover similar patents held in Australia and overseas
  • Assesses whether the advances claimed for the invention are new
  • Reports their findings to the patent applicant or the applicant's legal representative

Key values of workers in Patents Examiners

  • Working Conditions

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

  • Support

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

  • Achievement

    Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Top skills required for workers in Patents Examiners

  • Active Listening

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Writing

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Critical Thinking

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Active Learning

    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.