My background

During my degree, I gained experience in several research settings. Although I enjoyed many aspects of research, I was interested in using my technical knowledge in a commercial context. Working as a trainee patent attorney allows me to utilise my scientific background whilst applying legal knowledge and commercial understanding to help protect new technologies.

What skills are useful in this profession?

The skills often quoted as essential for a patent attorney are time management and communication skills. Deadlines are a constant feature of the job and when missing a deadline could have serious legal consequences, time management is a crucial skill to have. Communication skills are also vital as it is often necessary to communicate complex technical or legal concepts to clients.

Furthermore, when interacting with a wide range of clients, from individual inventors to multi-national corporations, it is important to be aware of your client’s commercial needs when assessing IP strategy.

What is the training process like?

Most trainees come into the profession with minimal understanding of patent law. From the start of my training I have been involved with cases at various stages of a patent’s lifecycle, which quickly helped me to gain a solid understanding of the patent system.

Although there is a steep learning curve which may seem daunting at first, the patents team at Williams Powell boasts multiple experienced Partners to learn from and who provide great support during training. Helpful guidance can also be found from CIPA Informals, who organise lectures and social events for trainees.

Working at Williams Powell

On a day-to-day basis I advise clients on intellectual property matters, instruct foreign attorneys, and respond to communications from the European Patent Office and UK Intellectual Property Office. The majority of my time is spent preparing arguments in response to objections raised by a Patent Office Examiner during prosecution. In my response, I attempt to convince the Examiner that the idea described in the application is novel and inventive, or I may amend the application to overcome the objections.

I work on multiple cases with different Partners, which has allowed me to become familiar with different work styles and will help me to develop a style that works for me.

The environment at Williams Powell is very supportive and the training schedule is flexible. Trainees are encouraged to attend training courses to help prepare for the (many!) exams and I am able to choose when I feel ready to sit them.