Principal Heather Flanagan Talks Patent Workforce Shifts and Talent Development

In a interview with Law360, Fish & Richardson Principal Heather Flanagan shared her perspective on the evolving landscape of patent talent. The article, "The Patent Workforce Is Attracting Fewer Attorneys, More Agents,” explores shifting registration trends at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the growing role of patent agents, and long-term workforce sustainability.

While some firms report challenges in recruiting new talent, Flanagan noted that Fish has not experienced a talent crunch. In fact, she sees increased awareness of patent law as a career path compared to decades past. She highlighted the firm’s commitment to cultivating future practitioners through initiatives like School of Fish, which introduces students with STEM backgrounds to IP law.

Excerpt: "I feel like there's much more awareness of this as a career than there was, say, 20 or 30 years ago."

Read the full article: The Patent Workforce Is Attracting Fewer Attys, More Agents