Job Description
My Cheltenham based client has a rare vacancy for an Engineering or Science graduate to train and build a fascinating and fulfilling career as a British and European Patent Attorney.
We are also happy to consider applications from Part-Qualified or Qualified Patent Attorneys.
To qualify as a British and European Patent Attorney, you must first have a STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD). Because we handle the legal protection of innovative and cutting edge concepts and ideas everyday, having a technical background and an inquisitive mind is critical (hence the requirement for a STEM background). This allows you to quickly grasp the concepts and developments created by design teams, inventors, and entrepreneurs, before then considering the options for robust legal protection. We are looking for someone focussed, resilient and driven. You will be able to talk in detail about your projects and interests. You must be well-presented, with a good manner with clients, as you will be promoting the firm. The qualification process for a Patent Attorney is undeniably tough, so you must be willing to work extremely hard for a few years and not give up. This is high pressure and there will be lots of home study and taking difficult exams at the same time as doing client work during the day. This role is tough but very rewarding.
Starting salary is £30k and will increase as exams are passed, up to £65k to £70k on full qualifications, incrementing thereafter as you start to build your client practice and then largely based on what you bill.
You will need to be based in or around Cheltenham to be able to train in the offices.
Requirements:
- A first-class degree (Bachelors, Masters, PhD) in Engineering or Physical Science
- Recently or relatively recently graduated
- Has an interest in a broad range of technical matters
- Is inquisitive and capable of independent research into interesting and potentially unfamiliar topics
- Would like the challenge and satisfaction of learning to deal with national and international patent drafting, prosecution, and enforcement matters
- We encourage applications from top university graduates with a strong academic background
How Will I Progress and Qualify As A Patent Attorney?
To qualify firstly as a British Patent Attorney, we will train you 'on the job’, give you in-house training seminars and there are external training course that you can attend.
This will prepare you for the following UK examinations which are overseen by our Chartered Institute and which are typically sat over roughly a three year period:
- Basic British Patent Law
- Basic English Law
- Copyright and Design Law
- International Patent Law
- Trademark Law
- Advanced British Patent Law
- Patent Drafting
- Patent Amendment
- Validity and Infringement
Similarly, to qualify as a European patent attorney, we will train you as above over a similar time frame to sit:
- European Patent Law
- Patent Drafting
- Patent Amendment
- Patent Opposition
If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Cat at i2i Recruitment