You can be an IP lawyer without a STEM degree. You can even be a patent attorney but only on the litigation side.It is actually possible to become a patent attorney without having an undergraduate degree in science or engineering. Basically, you can practice "soft IP" anywhere without a technical background. In order to qualify for the Patent Exam, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in one of the specified fields of science or engineering. The patent bar requires a hard science background, such as a degree in engineering, chemistry, physics, or biology. To be eligible for the Patent Bar, candidates typically need a background in science or engineering. Queens University, Ontario. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The IP curriculum at Maryland spans the four major areas of intellectual property law: patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secrets.