17 Patent Examiner Interview Questions and Answers

A patent examiner is responsible for researching, writing, and issuing patents for new inventions. The job requires knowledge of patent law, a strong attention to detail, and the ability to think critically.

If you’re interested in becoming a patent examiner, you’ll need to go through a rigorous hiring process that includes a written exam and an interview. The interview is your chance to show the hiring committee that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the role.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample patent examiner interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working independently?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you are a self-starter and can work independently. You can answer this question by describing how you have worked on projects or assignments in the past without direct supervision.

Example: “In my current role, I am responsible for researching patents and writing reports about them. My supervisor reviews my work before it goes out to our clients, but I am able to complete most of my tasks independently. In fact, I enjoy working independently because it allows me to focus on my work without distractions.”

What are your greatest strengths as a patent examiner?

This question is an opportunity to highlight your skills and abilities as they relate to the position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what you are most passionate about in your career. Consider including a skill that you have developed over time or something that you enjoy doing.

Example: “My greatest strength as a patent examiner is my attention to detail. I am always looking for ways to improve the quality of my work, so I make sure to thoroughly read through each application before making any decisions. This helps me ensure that I am following all procedures correctly and providing applicants with fair reviews.”

How do you stay organized while working on multiple patent applications at once?

This question can help interviewers understand how you manage your time and prioritize tasks. Your answer should show that you have a system for keeping track of the many patent applications you work on at once, as well as how you stay organized in general.

Example: “I use several different organizational tools to keep track of all the information I need to remember while working on multiple patent applications. For example, I use an online calendar to schedule meetings with my team members and set deadlines for when I need to submit certain documents. I also use a note-taking app to record any important details about each application so I don’t forget anything.”

What is your experience with using technical terminology related to patents?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with patent terminology and how you apply it to your work. Use examples from previous jobs or academic experiences to show that you have a strong understanding of technical language related to patents.

Example: “I’ve worked in patent law for five years, so I am very familiar with the terms used in this field. In my last position, I was responsible for reviewing applications for accuracy and completeness. One of my main responsibilities was ensuring that all technical terms were accurately applied to each application. For example, if an applicant wanted to use a specific term but didn’t provide enough information about its meaning, I would contact them to ask for more details.”

Provide an example of a time you identified an issue with a patent application and how you resolved it.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you resolve issues in the workplace. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of a time when you used critical thinking skills to identify an issue with a patent application and then resolved that issue.

Example: “In my previous role as a patent examiner, I noticed that one of the inventors listed on a patent application was deceased. This meant that they could not sign off on the application, which would have prevented the patent from being approved. I spoke with the other inventor who was still alive and asked them if they were aware their partner had passed away. They said they weren’t, so I explained the situation and helped them understand what steps they needed to take next.”

If you had to review a patent application related to one of your interests, would you be more or less motivated to complete the review process quickly?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your ability to separate personal interests from professional responsibilities. Your answer should demonstrate that you can be objective and impartial when reviewing patent applications.

Example: “I would definitely be motivated to complete the review process quickly because I have an interest in this particular area of technology. However, my primary motivation would be to ensure that the application meets all requirements for a valid patent. If it doesn’t, I would reject the application so the applicant could make any necessary changes before resubmitting.”

What would you do if you noticed a coworker was making errors when reviewing patent applications?

This question can help interviewers understand how you work with others and your ability to communicate. Your answer should show that you are willing to speak up when necessary, but also that you value the opinions of others.

Example: “I would first make sure I understood what they were doing wrong so I could explain it in a way they would understand. If they still made mistakes after my explanation, I would ask them if they needed any additional training or resources to help them complete their work more efficiently. I would also let my supervisor know about the situation so they could provide support as well.”

How well do you understand the legal aspects of patent applications?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have a strong understanding of the patent application process. You can answer this question by describing how you use legal resources and apply them to your work as a patent examiner.

Example: “I am very familiar with the legal aspects of patents because I’ve used many different legal resources throughout my career. In fact, I find it helpful to look up case law when I’m unsure about a particular aspect of a patent application. For example, in one situation where I was reviewing a patent application for a new type of software, I wasn’t sure if the software could be patented or not. So, I looked up some case law on similar types of software and found that the software could be patented.”

Do you have experience working with international patent applications?

The USPTO regularly receives international patent applications, and the interviewer may want to know if you have experience working with them. Your answer should include a brief description of your experience and how it helped you in your previous role.

Example: “I’ve worked on several international patent applications during my time as a patent examiner. I find that having an understanding of foreign languages is helpful when reviewing these types of applications because they often contain technical information that’s difficult to translate. However, I also understand that many applicants use professional translators for their patents, so I make sure to thoroughly review any application that doesn’t appear to be professionally translated.”

When reviewing a patent application, do you prefer to work in groups or individually?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you might fit into their team. Your answer should show that you are a strong communicator and collaborator who is willing to work with others.

Example: “I prefer working in groups because I find it easier to bounce ideas off of other people. However, I am also comfortable working on my own if there isn’t enough time for everyone to complete their tasks. In this situation, I would try to get my work done as quickly as possible so that I could contribute to the group project. I believe that by working together we can produce better results than when we work alone.”

We want to encourage our examiners to come up with their own solutions to common problems. If you encountered a recurring issue while reviewing patent applications, what would you do to fix it?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. Your answer should include a specific example of how you would solve the recurring issue, as well as the steps you would take to implement it.

Example: “I once worked with an examiner who had trouble finding relevant information in patent applications. I suggested that we create a database where examiners could store links to websites or documents they found useful when reviewing patents. This way, other examiners can access this resource if they’re having similar issues.”

Describe your process for handling confidential information when reviewing patent applications.

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your ability to handle confidential information and ensure it remains secure. Your answer should demonstrate that you understand the importance of confidentiality when handling patent applications. You can also use this opportunity to highlight any specific training or experience you have with maintaining confidentiality in your work.

Example: “I am very aware of the importance of keeping all confidential information private, so I take several steps to ensure my work is safe from unauthorized access. First, I always keep my computer screen facing away from others while working on confidential documents. I also make sure to lock my computer when leaving my desk for a break or lunch. Finally, I shred all documents containing confidential information before discarding them.”

What makes you an excellent candidate for a patent examiner position?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary for this role. You can answer by listing your relevant qualifications, such as education, certifications or work experience.

Example: “I am a highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills. I also have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and five years of experience working as a patent examiner at a local firm. These experiences make me well-suited for this position because they give me the knowledge and expertise needed to perform my duties effectively.”

Which areas of science and technology interest you most?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your interests align with those of their organization. It also helps them understand what you might be passionate about and how that passion could benefit their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific technology or scientific field that you are knowledgeable about.

Example: “I have always been interested in space exploration. I remember as a child watching the first shuttle launch into space and being inspired by the idea of traveling beyond our planet. As an adult, I am still fascinated by space travel and would love to work for NASA or another space agency. I know there is so much more we can learn from exploring other planets.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a patent examiner to have?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong understanding of what it takes to be successful in this role. You can answer by identifying one or two skills and explaining why they are important for patent examiners.

Example: “I think the most important skill for a patent examiner is attention to detail. This job requires someone who can thoroughly review documents, understand complex information and make decisions based on their findings. I am highly organized and able to focus on tasks for long periods of time, which makes me well-suited for this position.”

How often do you think a patent application should be updated to reflect changes in technology?

This question can help interviewers understand your approach to patent applications and how you might handle the work of a patent examiner. Your answer should show that you have an understanding of what is required for patents, including when updates are necessary.

Example: “I think it’s important to update a patent application as often as needed to reflect changes in technology. If there are no major changes to the invention or its function, then I would recommend waiting until the next renewal period before updating the application. However, if there are significant changes to the product or process, then I would recommend updating the application sooner so the applicant can continue to receive protection.”

There is a disagreement among your colleagues about how to handle a particular application. How do you handle it?

This question can help interviewers understand how you work with others and your ability to collaborate. It also helps them determine whether you are able to compromise or if you have a tendency to be stubborn. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you try to find a solution that everyone is happy with.

Example: “I would first ask my colleagues why they feel the way they do about the application. I would then discuss their reasoning and see if there was any merit to their argument. If so, I would suggest we could modify our decision based on their input. If not, I would explain that I felt strongly about my position and would like to continue following the current process.”