I am (not) a lawyer

I am (not) a lawyer.

When someone asks me what I do – for example in a coffee shop or gym – I often have to give a short lecture about inventions and patents in order to explain what a patent attorney is and does. It is certainly a game to explain what I do in the shortest way possible. The best one I had so far is "helping protect people's brands and inventions". (Intellectual property is not a word I like to use in these situations, as it does not seem to simplify things.) However, even when I explain it like this, it tends to be translated to being a lawyer. This becomes quite evident when the next question is: "Did you always want to be a lawyer?" I used to start explaining that I actually have a Masters degree in Engineering, but nowadays, at this point, I usually just give up and accept being a lawyer.

My parents are also patent attorneys. I remember that any time I was asked in elementary school what my parents do, I had genuinely no idea. After some time, I learned what to say, but still didn't understand a word of it. 

How do you usually introduce yourself?

Are you (not) a lawyer as well?

It is so funny that 99% of the world doesn't know that we, patent attorneys exist. Today, on World Intellectual Property Day (April 26), let's celebrate ourselves, patent attorneys as well.