Patent Paralegal - Southampton

About the Role:

For over 45 years we’ve built a reputation as one of the world’s leading strategic IP firms. Trusted by global innovators and businesses to realise and protect the true value of their intellectual assets and recognised by leading institutions such as The Financial Times, The Legal 500, IP Stars, World Intellectual Property Review and IAM Patent 1000.

Our global office network spans Europe, North America and Asia. With over 400 employees (including over 100 attorneys) worldwide, our people have leading IP expertise across many industries.

We are seeking a full-time IPPC CIPA qualified Patent Paralegal to provide support to a busy team of Patent Attorneys in our Southampton office. The role holder will work in different specialist areas of Patents and with Patent Attorneys across different locations, so the ability to prioritise work and communicate well is going to be key to the success of anyone in this role.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with preparing and filing new patent and design applications
• Correspond with Foreign Associates to prepare formal documents, including priority documents, inventor declarations, powers of attorney, assignments and other formal documents as required in foreign filings or ongoing prosecution
• Review incoming correspondence from patent offices around the world on current status of applications – and ensure accuracy of information
• Perform research and compile data as requested by attorneys
• Handling cost and action schedules for client portfolios as requested by attorneys or clients
• Review, process and maintain client dockets for deadlines
• Assist with miscellaneous client-related projects, such as change of name, change of applicants address and recordal of assignments either directly or globally via the foreign associates
• Ensuring internal deadline system updated and maintained, including the management and handling of all relevant paralegal deadlines
• Preparing and invoicing clients for work completed
• Understanding, preparing and updating client work instructions and internal processes
• Communicating with clients and Foreign Attorneys as and when required
• Reviewing, responding to and processing communications and instructions from clients or outside Counsel 

Person Specification:

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

• CIPA (IPPC) qualified
• Able to handle multiple workstreams under limited supervision
• A team player, willing to assist other paralegals and provide cover where required
• Organised with excellent attention to detail and communication skills
• Work to precise deadlines with the ability to prioritise and take instructions

Benefits:

• An equal, diverse, and inclusive environment with a collaborative culture, which allows for development and growth.
• Annual salary review.
• 28 days annual leave per annum plus 5 days bank holiday per annum.
• Hybrid working environment to ensure a work/life balance.
• Employer pension match contribution up to 5%(employees can contribute more than 5% if they wish to).
• Life assurance (three times basic salary).
• Private healthcare.
• Ride2Work Programme.
• Employee engagement initiatives.
• Employee-led above and beyond awards.
• Length of service gifts.
• Career development and study support.
• Opportunities to be involved in ESG activities(environment, charities, community engagement, and ED&I).
• Company-wide and team social events.
• A great place to work with a one-team culture.

If you are interested in applying, you are invited to send a cover letter, together with a detailed curriculum vitae, describing any qualifications, expertise and relevant experience to our HR Team at [email protected], or contact us for further information about the role.