Watch this video to learn more about the USPTO’s IP attachés and the work they do in other countries. Answers to commonly asked questions about becoming an IP attaché are below as well. You can also explore the IP Attaché Program webpage for valuable information.
Did you know that there are typically four pathways that IP law professionals can take to become an IP attaché? Click the button below to view a career flyer with more information:
Explore the IP Attaché Program webpage for other valuable information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the roles and responsibilities of the IP attachés?
The IP attaches primary roles and responsibilities include:
- Advocating for U.S. government IP policy, interests, and initiatives
- Assisting U.S. businesses on IP matters including protection, enforcement, use, and licensing
- Improving IP protection and enforcement by conducting training activities with foreign governments
- Advising officials at all levels of the USPTO and other U.S. government agencies on the host governments' IP systems
- Advising representatives of the host government or region on U.S. intellectual property law and policy
- Helping to secure high-quality IP provisions in international agreements and host country laws, and monitoring the implementation and application of these provisions
- Advising U.S. companies on the local IP environment
What is a typical day like for an IP attaché?
As an IP Attaché, no two days are alike. A day may include:
- Meeting with the Ambassador or others within the U.S. embassy to report on IP matters
- Discussions with a host-government intellectual property office or other host government agency about local IP issues
- Meeting with industry representatives to discuss their IP concerns
- Advising U.S. companies that are looking to do business in the country on how to navigate local IP laws in order to protect or enforce their intellectual property rights in the host country
- Training local law enforcement on best practices for enforcing IP laws
How to apply for an IP attaché position
Vacancies are announced through USAJOBS.gov. Interested applicants should follow the application procedures outlined in the vacancy announcement. Please note that vacancies will be advertised as "Attorney Adviser (Intellectual Property Rights)".
Is U.S. citizenship a requirement to apply?
Yes. Only U.S. citizens may apply for an appointment to the overseas IP Attaché Program.
Is intellectual property knowledge and experience required?
Yes. While expertise in every area of intellectual property (IP) is not required, a good general knowledge of IP is necessary. Attachés are placed in foreign countries for the purpose of improving IP protection and enforcement for the benefit of U.S. interests. The attachés serve as liaisons to their foreign counterparts and work to engage these counterparts in an ongoing dialogue about IP issues. Additionally, the attachés conduct and help organize IP-related training and technical assistance for host country officials.
Is a law degree required to apply?
Yes, this is a requirement for most IP attaché positions.
Is private sector experience required to apply?
No, there is no private sector experience requirement for the IP attaché positions. Both public and private sector experience is considered in selecting attachés.
Is fluency in a foreign language required to apply?
No, there is no foreign language fluency requirement. For certain posts, however, foreign language fluency may be an advantage in being considered.
After a candidate is selected, what training is required?
All incoming IP attachés begin their assignment with orientation and training.
Orientation at the International Trade Administration (ITA) will introduce new employees to the structure and function of the ITA, the employee's role in the development and implementation of U.S. foreign policy, terms of employment, and core skills needed by all Foreign Service employees. Orientation at the USPTO will introduce the attaché to colleagues from other U.S. government agencies who work on IP-related matters; engage representatives from trade associations with knowledge of the host country's intellectual property rights environment; and acquaint the attaché with the functioning of the USPTO.
Training consists of several course hours and a detail to USPTO's Office of Policy and International Affairs (OPIA). The IP attaché will attend programs at OPIA's Global Intellectual Property Academy to enhance his or her knowledge of intellectual property. The length and nature of training depends on the depth and breadth of knowledge of the attaché's prior knowledge.
Attachés must also complete several mandatory classes prior to deployment overseas. These classes are a combination of classroom and online training offered by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Transition Center in Arlington, VA. The FSI offers Foreign Service life skills courses (e.g., diversity, security, protocol, logistics, realities) to U.S. government employees and their spouses preparing for, or returning from, an overseas assignment.
Does USPTO offer language training?
While language training is not mandatory for attachés, USPTO may offer language training to those selected for overseas assignments. Attachés are also encouraged to participate in language training classes offered at post.
Can spouses and children go to post?
Yes, eligible family members (EFMs) may travel with the attaché. EFMs include a spouse; same-sex domestic partner; unmarried children under the age of 21; and a sibling or parent at least 51 percent dependent on the employee or the employee's spouse.
What is the background investigation in the security clearance process?
Applicants who are selected will be asked to submit forms for the Top Secret security clearance required for appointment to the overseas IP Attaché program.
Are new IP attaché positions going to be created in different regions?
The USPTO regularly evaluates and adjusts the locations of its attachés to ensure that we are meeting the current needs of U.S. stakeholders.