Marks & Clerk - Trainee Patent Attorney
2014-04-22 12:23:58
2014-09-28 00:00:00
- London, London
- £Comp
- 28th Sep ’14
- Closed
Marks & Clerk are a Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys.
We have vacancies for trainee patent attorney positions starting September 2014 in the following technical areas and offices:
London: Electronics Computer Science
Cambridge: Mechanical Engineering Physics Electronics Computer Science
A career as a patent attorney
The patent attorney profession is little known, but very well respected. The work involves a mixture of technology, commerce and the law.
Our core work is obtaining patent protection for clients both locally and globally. This involves detailed technical and commercial discussions with the client, in order to understand the scope of the invention and how it is to be used within their business. Language is important because, when we draft a patent specification, the words that we use determine the strength of the monopoly that the patent ultimately provides. We represent clients before the patent office, arguing and negotiating as to the scope of the monopoly that should be granted. Sometimes we act as advocates in hearings, oppositions and appeals that arise as part of the application process.
A key aspect of the role is to work with clients to build and develop patenting strategies that meet their commercial objectives. We often advise clients at the development stage, so that they can avoid infringing competitors? rights. Our work also includes assisting in commercial transactions and advising on the strength of patent portfolios.
We help clients who have been accused of infringement and we provide opinions as to whether they are at risk of legal action. If legal action occurs we assist in their defence. We sometimes work with solicitors and barristers in enforcing and revoking patents before the courts.
What we look for in a trainee
A successful candidate will have a good honors degree (at least 2:1 or equivalent) in a mainstream scientific, engineering, mathematical or computing discipline. We also welcome applications from those completing a doctorate or who are undertaking postgraduate research.
The three main areas we recruit into are:
Chemistry and Life Sciences: We look for graduates in chemistry, chemical engineering or any life sciences-related subjects, such as biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology and pharmacology.
Electronics: We are primarily interested in recruiting electronic engineers and computer scientists, but will consider graduates in other engineering disciplines, physics, materials science or maths, providing they demonstrate a knowledge and interest in electronics, photonics, solid state physics or computing.
Mechanical: Although preferable, it is not critical to have a mechanical engineering degree. A physics degree and other engineering degrees are also useful and appropriate.
The international nature of the work means that foreign languages are a distinct advantage but not essential if a candidate meets all our other selection criteria.
We are not only looking for technical excellence, but for trainees who have an interest in the commercial world and who understand the context and importance of intellectual property to their clients. In addition, we look for exceptional analytical abilities, well-developed communication skills and meticulous attention to detail.