You can be an IP lawyer without a STEM degree. You can even be a patent attorney but only on the litigation side.Even in terms of patent litigation, you don't need a science background. Take, for example, Association for Molecular Pathology v. If all you want to do is write Patent Applications (i.e. Patent Agent), you do NOT require a Law Degree. Using the mark in commerce, even without a registration, provides common law rights. However, registering a trademark comes with a wide range of benefits. No. Only attorneys that prosecute patent applications. There are a number of areas in IP that don't require a science background.