We are now recruiting for our Trainee Patent Attorney graduate scheme, starting in September 2019. We are recruiting for our Birmingham and Oxford offices in the following specialisms: Electronics/Computer Science/Physics.

A Career as a Patent Attorney

Patent attorneys provide an essential interface between science, commerce and the law. We work at the forefront of technology in many different scientific fields, helping clients make the most of their inventions.

The role of a Patent Attorney is varied. We work with a vast range of clients to secure patent protection, locally and globally. This involves regular client interaction, scoping inventions and determining how they can be best used to gain a strategic advantage. We need to be meticulous in how we draft patent applications to ensure maximum protection for our client.

We help our clients develop patent strategies to meet their commercial objectives.  We often advise at the development stage, to avoid clients infringing competitors’ rights. We also support commercial transactions and advise on the strength of patent portfolios.

The role also sees us acting as advocates in hearings, oppositions and appeals that arise as part of the patent application process. We provide risk assessments, and where a client is accused of infringement, we assist in their defence. We work closely with solicitors and barristers in enforcing and revoking patents before the courts.

What we look for in a trainee

You will have gained at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a mainstream scientific, engineering, mathematics or IT discipline. We also welcome applications from those completing a doctorate or undertaking postgraduate research.

You will have excellent communication skills, meticulous attention to detail and a natural curiosity to find out how things work. You will demonstrate technical excellence, an interest in the commercial world and appreciate the importance of intellectual property to businesses. Due to the international nature of the work, foreign languages are an advantage, but not essential.

The three main areas we recruit into are:

Electronics and physics: We are looking for electronic engineers and computer scientists. We would also like to hear from graduates in other engineering disciplines, physics, materials science or mathematics, provided you can demonstrate knowledge and an interest in electronics, photonics, solid state physics or computing. Knowledge or expertise in artificial intelligence, augmented reality or cyber security is also desirable.

Mechanical: We are looking for candidates with a mechanical engineering degree, although graduates in other engineering disciplines or physics will also be considered.