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.