A patent agent or a patent attorney is person who has the specialized qualifications necessary for representing clients in obtaining patents and acting in all matters and procedures relating to patent law and practice.

As per Indian Patent Act, 1970, a patent agent whose name is entered in the register shall be entitled

(a) to practice before the Controller; and

(b) to prepare all documents, transact all business and discharge such other      functions as may be prescribed in connection with any proceeding before      the Controller under this Act.

A person shall be qualified to have his name entered in the register of patent agents if he fulfils the following conditions such as:

(a) he is a citizen of India;

(b) he has completed the age of 21 years;

(c) he has obtained a degree in science, engineering or technology from any university established under law for the time being in force in the territory     of India or possesses such other equivalent qualifications as the Central Government may specify in this behalf and in addition, has passed the qualifying examination prescribed for the purpose.

The qualifying examination consists of the following papers and marks:

1.  Paper I—Patents Act and Rules (100 marks)

2. Paper II—Drafting and interpretation of patent specifications      and other documents (100 marks)

3.  Viva Voce (100 marks)

The qualifying marks for each written paper and for the viva voce examination shall be fifty per cent each of total marks and a candidate shall be declared to have passed the examination only if he obtains an aggregate of sixty per cent, of the total marks.

Click here to download 'Previous Year Question Papers'

Click here to download 'Manual of Patent Practice and Procedure'

Keep visiting the official website of Indian Patent Office at http://www.patentoffice.nic.in/ for more information and regular updates on Patent Agent Exams.