Based in Farnham, Surrey, Openshaw & Co. is a client-focused firm of UK and European patent attorneys, combining technical and legal expertise to advise clients on a broad range of intellectual property matters.

Our Team

Founded in 2004, Openshaw & Co. has grown into a highly experienced and collaborative firm delivering exceptional intellectual property services. Our team comprises 35 staff members, including 11 qualified patent attorneys specialising in patent drafting and prosecution, with a strong track record before the EPO and UKIPO. We also support part-qualified and trainee patent attorneys as they progress towards qualification within a supportive and professional environment.

We work closely with clients to understand their commercial objectives and develop tailored strategies to protect, manage, and maximise the value of their innovations. Alongside our patent expertise, we also provide in-house support for design and trade mark matters, backed by an experienced paralegal team specialising in IP administration and formalities.

Our Clients

We work with a diverse range of clients, including multinational organisations, SMEs, start-ups, universities, and private inventors. Our expertise spans a broad range of technologies and industries, including telecommunications, software, algorithms, blockchain applications and digital assets, engineering, aerospace and defence, energy and renewables, optics, electro sciences, and materials science.

Working at Openshaw & Co.

Openshaw & Co. is believed to be the first employee-owned trust law firm in the UK. As an employee-owned business, every member of the firm has a direct stake in our success. Our structure encourages collaboration, shared responsibility, and continuous improvement, creating an environment where everyone is empowered to contribute ideas and help shape the future of the firm.

Our people come from a wide range of backgrounds, contributing to the supportive, inclusive, and friendly environment we are proud to maintain. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainable working practices.

We are particularly proud of the flexible working environment we provide, enabling our people to deliver high-quality intellectual property advice while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Opportunities at Openshaw & Co.

We are always interested in hearing from talented individuals who are motivated by technically challenging patent work and enjoy building strong client relationships through clear, practical, and commercially focused advice.

We offer opportunities for graduates seeking to begin a career in patent law, students looking to gain insight into the intellectual property profession, and qualified patent attorneys interested in joining a growing, client-focused firm with a flexible and collaborative working environment.

Your Skills

Successful Trainee Patent Attorney and Summer Intern candidates will combine technical curiosity, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills. You will have a genuine interest in emerging technologies, an inquisitive mindset, and a strong attention to detail.