Withers & Rogers is one of Europe’s largest dedicated intellectual property law firms, with offices across the UK, Paris, and Munich. Established more than 130 years ago, they remain as passionate as ever about making intellectual property work to their clients’ best advantage. Today, their clients include many renowned, innovative organisations from across Europe, North America, and Asia.
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the firm’s Life Sciences and Chemistry team in London. The ideal candidate will be eager to make their mark and have a genuine excitement and talent for business development. Withers & Rogers is looking for someone who is passionate about innovation and can demonstrate the commercial awareness needed to support and guide their clients in bringing their technology through to market. The Senior Patent Attorney will, in the short-term, will progress into Partnership with great prospects to take leadership opportunities of this practice.
The contractual base for this role will be the London office; however, they are embracing hybrid working, and therefore you will have the opportunity to mix days in the office and home, as agreed with your line manager but there is an expectation that employees will attend the offices as needed for their role. Occasional national travel may be necessary in this role including travel to the other offices.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing the relationship with our current clients and bringing in new business;
- Advising clients on securing appropriate IP protection;
- Drafting specifications for complex technical inventions;
- Corresponding with clients, Patent Offices, and overseas Attorneys;
- Researching prior art and working directly with clients to develop creative and persuasive arguments against patent office objections;
- Thoroughly analysing and editing existing patent specifications to overcome objections to patent applications;
- Attacking and defending patents in EPO opposition proceedings;
- Attending hearings at the European Patent Office;
- Researching and advising on the status, scope and validity of third-party intellectual property rights;
- Giving direction and sharing knowledge with operations staff;
- Building a network of contacts, with a view to converting contacts to clients;
- Any other duties where necessary to ensure the needs of the business are met.
The Candidate
The successful candidate is likely to fulfil the following criteria:
- 4+ years’ post qualification experience;
- A track record of building rapport with clients and developing new business;
- A strong academic or industry record in biochemistry, biotechnology or chemistry with expertise in their subject matter and the ability to communicate effectively about technical concepts with the research and development teams of our clients;
- Plenty of experience in drafting claims and responses to office actions for prosecution with the ability to prioritise workload, manage high volumes of work and meet deadlines;
- To be skilled in analysing and identifying the novel features and commercial potential of an invention;
- Impeccable written English and first-rate communication skills with the ability to express ideas clearly and accurately;
- A track record of interacting effectively with staff and clients at all levels and a team-player with a proactive approach.
