Murgitroyd now ranks among the largest groups of patent and trade mark professionals in Europe, with over 125 patent and trade mark professionals and more than 440 staff. We are excited to be able to offer a new opportunity in our Software and Electronics team. We are seeking a full-time part qualified or recently qualified patent attorney with 3+ years’ experience to join the team .

The suitable candidate will be reporting primarily to the Director (based in London) who leads the Software arm of the Electronics patent practice – however, the candidate themselves may be based in any of Murgitroyd’s UK offices. Murgitroyd have multiple offices across the UK, and we are set up to share work and collaborate across all locations. We will consider the best candidate for the role, regardless of location. Relocation is not a
requirement.

To be considered for the role, candidates will have at least 3 years of patent attorney training and experience, preferably in private practice, and must have worked on cases involving mathematics, software and computer
implemented inventions (CII) in their previous role. Experience of drafting patent applications in these areas is essential, as is an awareness of relevant UK and European case law for prosecution applications.

An educational background in Computer Science is sought as the role is primarily to work with our clients in the Blockchain, Fintech and Gaming sectors. Although not essential, experience of handling patent matters relating to Blockchain technologies, cryptography, machine learning and image processing technologies would be advantageous.

The position carries an attractive package of competitive salary (based on experience and/or qualification, within the Murgitroyd salary structure), 25 days holiday (plus five recognized Bank Holidays), long service awards, life assurance and pension scheme, private healthcare, study support and many other benefits.

Proof of the candidate’s ability to live and work in the UK (such as a UK passport or Indefinite Leave to remain proof) will be required.

Please quote ref LON-PA2 on your application. Closing Date: until the position is filled.

Job Description

Our attorneys work with small, medium and large corporations, universities, research bodies and individuals in obtaining, protecting and exploiting their Intellectual Property, both nationally and internationally. Our
clients benefit from local support backed up by the resources and international expertise of a major specialist Intellectual Property firm.

Role

The successful candidate will undertake all the normal functions provided by a Patent Attorney (adjusted for experience) and report to our Head of Software patents in the London office. The experience required for this role is set out on page one. Working as part of a team specializing in software, telecommunications electronics, they will require excellent communication skills, be able to identify and deal with issues as they arise and manage their own deadlines and workload. If part-qualified, full training support will be provided through to final qualification. If newly qualified, there will be an element of close supervision until independence can be established.

The candidate will undertake the following key aspects of the role:

• Prosecution of European patent applications
• Co-ordinating the processing of related cases in other jurisdictions such as US, JP, CN, KR, IN and ZA among others
• Participating in invention disclosure meetings and drafting applications soon after
• Preparing pre-filing reviews and analysis on patentability in the EP/UK
• Assist in the preparation of opinions regarding validity and infringement
• Assist in the preparation of European Oppositions

In addition to the above, our attorneys are expected to work closely with our Marketing Team on providing website content, attending networking events and proactively creating their own business development plans. As experience and autonomy increases, they will need to demonstrate the desire to acquire, foster and grow new clients, as well as mentoring other trainees and members of our support team where possible.

Person Specification

Qualifications – As per advert

Experience/Technical – As per advert and job description

Personal Skills – Highly methodical, self-motivated and well-organised with excellent attention to detail. Able to understand the importance of accuracy in monitoring dates and performing all other assigned tasks. Resilient and flexible in approach to work.

Motivation – Reflects on personal and team goals and re-assesses priorities where needed. Demonstrates a desire to learn and seeks opportunities for personal development. Is energetic and proactive in approach to operational and team issues.

Communication – Ensures clear communication across the team. Able to listen, question and clarify information and instructions and respond accordingly. Demonstrates a high standard of written and verbal communication including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and document preparation. Is open and honest and shares information across the team. Demonstrates diplomacy when communicating with others.

Effective Relationships – Able to provide a positive influence on team and office morale. Demonstrates support and diplomacy in order to build strong working relationships. Recognises the needs of the team and responds accordingly.

Teamwork – Able to work as part of a team providing support to attorneys and to co-operate with other support staff. Seeks input and feedback from the team. Able to recognise the needs of the team and respond appropriately to gain their trust and confidence. Supports group decisions and puts group goals ahead of own goals.

Organisation – Can manage own time and complete multiple tasks / assignments with competing deadlines. Confident organisational skills with the ability to plan and coordinate schedules.

Problem Solving – Deals with problems and finds solutions within the team to support the firm’s objectives. Can consider problems in a creative manner and seek alternative methods to achieve an acceptable outcome.

Safety and Accountability – Take personal responsibility and ownership for the accuracy of all work produced. Work within a team to check deadlines can be met by communicating and working together. Work proactively with others’ strengths and development areas to successfully meet the aims of the office and the firm.

Culture – Culture is fundamental to all we do at Murgitroyd. Our Core Values are Trust, Unity and Confidence.