A patent agent has an approved technical background and has passed the patent bar exam. A patent agent can write and prosecute patent applications, but an agent is not a lawyer and cannot provide legal advice. Legal advice is critical to formulating your patent strategies and protecting your business interests. While patent agents can be very helpful in assisting patent attorneys in representing and protecting their client’s interests, it is important that your patent matters are handled in accordance with your intellectual property and business strategy, for which the experienced advice of a patent attorney is critical.