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

This role is within our Advanced Engineering Group. This is a full-time, permanent position based in our Bristol office.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Drafting specifications and responding to office actions for complex inventions 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
- 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, you’ll need:

- Dual qualified UK and European Patent Attorney
- A strong and demonstrable knowledge base in Mechanical Engineering 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.
- 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.

About Us

Withers & Rogers is one of Europe’s largest dedicated intellectual property law firms, with offices across the UK, Paris and Munich. Established more than 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

This is a 13-month fixed term contract. The contractual base for this role will be in one of our UK locations: Bristol, London, Sheffield, or Warwick. Hybrid working options, including working from home, are available.

In this role, your responsibilities will include:

- Full secretarial support including all typing of documents including letters, emails, and patent specifications.
- Managing own and team inboxes, processing emails and post (both hard copy and electronic), updating our case management system and acknowledging receipt, where appropriate.
- Accurate and daily maintenance of computerised case management system, including following workflows and generating standard correspondence from templates, and liaising with Records and Accounts departments, as well as sister company Withers & Rogers Renewals.
- Preparation of official forms for UK, European and other patent applications, and design applications where necessary, including use of online filing software, the payment of official fees and reporting accurately.
- Organising and prioritising own workload and keeping a level-headed approach in a busy working environment.
- Accurately following Withers & Rogers processes and procedures, and client specific processes and procedures where applicable.
- Producing/maintaining documentation to capture processes developed for key clients.
- Accurate preparation and processing of invoices, using e-billing systems where necessary.

About You

To join us as an IP Administrator, you’ll need:

- Good communication skills and ability to interact with all levels of internal and external contacts.
- Attention to detail and pride in work product.
- Ability to balance and prioritise workload, remain composed and level-headed during periods of particularly busy activity, and being proactive in helping other members of the team. Ability to manage an attorney's emails, judge urgency, and action as required.
- Good Microsoft package skills particularly Outlook, Word and Excel (essential), with ideally an understanding of case management systems and experience of following/generating standard procedures and templates for repeat tasks.
- The desire to learn and a willingness to become involved.
- Ability to work individually and within a team.

Your Rewards

- Competitive salary
- Benefits such as 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 put forward their ideas.

If you think you have the skills to succeed, we would love to hear from you.