By education, Hildegard is a genetic engineer who worked in immunology research. Now at the Patent Office in the department of mechanical engineering, her main job is to examine patent applications and do research in the patent databases in order to find out whether to grant the patent or not. She is also involved in informing the public about the Austrian Patent Office, in giving technical support to patent applicants, and in giving patent talks and patent search workshops. Thus Hildegard is specialized in patents and utility models, but also has a very good knowledge about trademarks and designs.