What attracted you to your role?
Following my penultimate year at university, I completed a summer research project. After this, I knew I wanted to pursue a career that would apply the skills and knowledge I had acquired studying chemistry in a commercial setting. I was attracted to patent law as it would give me the opportunity to work with a variety of clients of different sizes, specialising in chemistry-related technologies.
To get a better idea of whether the role would be right for me, I reached out to some trainee patent attorneys on LinkedIn to ask them about their work. I also attended a workshop day at a patent firm, during which I had a go at drafting a claim for a simple invention. I was attracted by the fact that the everyday work of a patent attorney requires technical analysis and problem-solving skills. For example, when amending claims during prosecution, this might involve determining which features of a method or product are necessary to distinguish the method or product over existing ones.
What was the application process like – any advice?
Following my initial application, I was invited to complete a short written exercise, which involved describing the key features and function of a particular household item. An exercise like this could come up in the format of a written exercise or an interview question. So, if you want interview practice, consider challenging yourself to describe the key features and function of some everyday items.
I then had two interviews which were a couple of weeks apart. The interviewers were very friendly and created a relaxed atmosphere which enabled me to perform well. After the second interview I also had the opportunity to chat with a VS trainee. This was a good opportunity to learn more about the firm and what training would involve.
After the final interview I had to complete some psychometric tests. I would say that these aren’t anything to worry about, as they aren’t the sort of tests for which you can prepare.
What are your main duties?
Most of my time is spent on patent prosecution work. This might involve reading through a communication, such as an examination report, which has been issued on an application; studying any documents which have been cited against the application, known as “prior art”; and then determining how to respond to any objections that have been raised by the examiner. However, my work is varied, and I have also spent time drafting new patent applications and working on an opposition (European patents may be opposed within 9 months of their grant).
My supervising partner is on hand to provide support and feedback on my work. This has made the learning process productive and enjoyable. VS also supplement trainees’ on the job learning with a series of internal lectures (known as “bootcamp”) focused on different aspects of patent law.
In September I am heading to Queen Mary University of London to study for a certificate in intellectual property law and start my formal qualifications!
