IP Paralegal - Patents

Location:

Belfast

Workplace:

Hybrid

The opportunity:

We are looking for an IP Paralegal – Patents to join our highly-regarded IP Professional Services Group in Baker McKenzie Belfast.

The successful applicant will be responsible for providing high-quality specialist support on IP matters, with a particular focus on assisting with patent drafting and prosecution, as well as IP M&A support on behalf of the Firm’s clients.

You will be working on the rapidly developing IP portfolios of household names that have worldwide coverage and, as such, will need to have a global mindset with the ability to pick up knowledge regarding different requirements throughout the world.

The role involves working with a range of people of varying levels across the world. The successful applicant will need to have the confidence and ability to coordinate effectively with technology teams, paralegals, lawyers and partners across different cultures and teams, and to be able to drive matters forward with local counsel or our internal / external client.

Working at Baker McKenzie:

Baker McKenzie is the world’s leading law firm with offices all over the world. Our Belfast Centre is home to over 400 colleagues in both legal and professional services.

We offer one of the best workplace benefits packages in the business with comprehensive private health cover, income protection, life assurance and a full employee assistance plan. These and a host of other benefits make us one of the most desirable companies to work for in Belfast.

We are committed to promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity for all and are confident we can provide a career as individual and as exceptional as you.

About the role:

As part of this role, the successful candidate will:

Responsibilities:

• Support global IP M&A matters, including the recordal of assignments, licenses, security interests, and changes of name and address at the local registries. This includes drafting legal documents, liaising with local counsel, producing schedules, communicating with internal stakeholders, and arranging for the execution of documents.
• Assist with matter status and budget monitoring, including maintenance of trackers and report preparation.
• Conduct comprehensive IP asset due diligence using the official trade mark, patent, copyright, and design online registries, as well as other screening platforms, to audit data from local associates, commercial databases, and other parties.
• Assist with preparation of patent applications and responses to Official Actions from Patent Offices around the world.
• Assist with preparation of client reporting emails.
• Assist with docket and deadline management and other patent-related tasks as required from time to time.

Essential Criteria:

To be successful in this role you will need:

Skills and Experience:

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Law, or a related field.
• An intrinsic passion for Intellectual Property and a keenness to develop specialist IP knowledge and skills.
• Some patent preparation and prosecution experience is preferred though not required.
• High work standards, including excellent attention to detail and strong prioritisation and organisation skills.
• A proven proactive attitude.
• Ability to work independently, with the confidence to drive matters forward.
• Ability to stay calm in demanding situations, in particular when working on high-pressure projects.
• Have a clear and succinct writing style.
• Comfortable working to and taking personal responsibility for managing tight deadlines.
• Work well as part of a team.
• Ability to adapt your style of working to different work types and client requirements.
• Good interpersonal skills, both verbally and in writing, whether dealing with colleagues, service providers, or internal/external clients.