FAQ about Patent Attorney Training

Whether a degree in interdisciplinary studies fulfils the requirements for admission to the training has to be decided on a case-by-case basis. The scientific or technical aspects of the bachelor's as well as the master’s degree need to clearly outweigh any other aspects.
For more information, please refer to our leaflet regarding the patent attorney training and qualifying examination [PDF, 469 KB] (in German).

No. It is not enough if an occupation only has a tenuous technical connection. Working in sales is of commercial nature, working as a patent engineer is of legal nature and therefore neither can be recognised.

No. The practical technical year can consist of various employments. However, they should always last at least two months.

Working at a university department of natural sciences can be considered as practical technical work experience under certain circumstances. However, teaching cannot be recognised.

A year is calculated based on a full-time occupation customary in the relevant industry (usually 40 hours a week). If you work part-time, the time of your occupation will be converted using the standard full-time hours. A part-time position should consist of at least 15 hours a week.
The practical technical year can also consist of multiple occupations and does not need to be completed in one go with only one employer/client. However, the individual blocks should last at least two months.

The DPMA does not help with placements for practical technical jobs after graduation.