Patent Attorney - Engineering
Sheffield, UK
About Us
Withers & Rogers is one of Europe’s largest dedicated intellectual property law firms, with offices across the UK, Paris, and Munich. Established 140 years ago, we remain as passionate as ever about making intellectual property work to our clients’ best advantage. Today, our clients include many renowned, innovative organisations from across Europe, North America, and Asia.
We believe that our patent and trade mark attorneys, support and operations staff have a breadth of expertise and a depth of specialist sector knowledge that is second to none.
Our purpose is building trusting relationships, and our vision is to be an independent, responsible, sustainably profitable, and globally focused firm.
The Role
Our Advanced Engineering Group supports a diverse range of highly innovative engineering businesses in the UK and overseas. We currently have two vacancies within our Advanced Engineering Group:
Role 1 – We 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 you will attend the office as needed for the role. The team are based in Sheffield, and we therefore ask that you be commutable to the Sheffield office. This role requires someone with a more general mechanical engineering background, strong knowledge of engines, and any experience with freedom to operate/clearance would be a bonus (but not a requirement). For this role, you must be at least single-qualified (either UK or European), and we will be happy to accept applications from dual-qualified attorneys.
Role 2 – This role will work with teams across our Warwick, London and Sheffield offices, and therefore being commutable to any of these offices is required. However, as mentioned, we are embracing hybrid working, and therefore you will have the opportunity to work from home regularly. This role requires someone with a mechanical engineering background, however, experience in med tech and electromechanics is beneficial. For this role, you must be at least European qualified, and we are happy to accept applications from dual-qualified patent attorneys.
Both roles are for a full-time, permanent position based in one of our UK locations as specified above.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Drafting specifications and responding to office actions for complex inventions efficiently and to a high standard.
- Advising clients on securing appropriate IP protection.
- Assisting with Oral Proceedings at the European Patent Office.
- Corresponding with clients, Patent Offices and overseas Attorneys.
- Analysing prior art and working directly with clients to develop creative and persuasive arguments against patent office objections.
- Thoroughly analysing and amending existing patent specifications where necessary to address patent office objections to patent applications.
- Researching and advising on the status, scope and validity of third-party intellectual property rights.
- Engaging in business development activities including writing articles and, if qualified, supporting junior fee earners in their business development practice.
- Developing relationships with our current clients and building a network of contacts, with a view to converting contacts to clients and bringing in new business.
About You
To join us in this position, we require:
- You must be at least single qualified, however, please see specifics for each role in ‘Context of the Role’.
- Degree in mechanical engineering or similar discipline, however, please see specifics for each role in ‘Context of the Role’.
- A strong academic or industry record in the relevant discipline and the ability to communicate effectively about technical concepts with the research and development teams of our clients.
- Skilled in analysing and identifying the novel features and commercial potential of an invention with demonstrable experience in drafting patent specifications and responses to office actions for prosecution.
- If qualified, experience managing cases and client relationships, with a track record of building rapport with clients and developing new business.
- Impeccable written English, attention to detail 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.
- The ability to prioritise workload, manage high volumes of work and meet deadlines.
Your Rewards
- Competitive salary
- Benefits such as a healthcare cash plan and additional holiday purchase scheme
- Flexible working options
- Enhanced Parental Leave options
- Positive and welcoming work environment
Applications will be reviewed as they are received so early applications are encouraged.
We foster a supportive and inclusive culture where employees are encouraged to broaden their knowledge, challenge themselves and share their ideas.
If you think you have the skills to succeed, we would love to hear from you
