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 contractual base for this role will be in one of our UK locations: Sheffield (preferred), Bristol, London or Warwick. However, 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 employees will attend the office as needed for their role.

The Role

This exciting opportunity has arisen because of increasing work volume and client expansion within the chemical engineering/chemical space. This is a full time, permanent position.

In this role, your responsibilities will include:

- Drafting specifications in the chemical engineering/chemical space
- Managing patent prosecution globally, including researching prior art and working directly with clients to develop creative and persuasive arguments against patent office objections
- Advising clients on securing appropriate IP protection
- Corresponding with clients, Patent Offices and overseas Attorneys
- 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
- Developing the relationship with our current clients and bringing in new business

About You

To join us, you’ll need:

- A qualified or finals level (UK/DE/FR or European) Patent Attorney
- A strong academic or industry record in chemical engineering or chemistry, ideally with experience in hydrocarbon processing and/or polyester production
- Ability to communicate effectively about technical concepts clearly and accurately with the research and development teams of our clients
- Skilled in analysing and identifying the novel features and commercial potential of an invention with plenty of experience in drafting claims and responses to office actions for prosecution
- Impeccable written English, attention to detail and first-rate communication skills with the ability to express ideas clearly and accurately. Proficiency in German or French would be considered an advantage
- A track record of interacting effectively with staff and clients at all levels and an enthusiastic team-player with a proactive approach
- The ability to prioritise workload, manage high volumes of work and meet deadlines
- A track record of building rapport with clients and developing new business

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.

Withers & Rogers LLP are looking for a bright and curious mind to join the firm's Advanced Engineering group in September 2025 as a Trainee Patent Attorney.

This is an opportunity to train and qualify as a Patent Attorney in both the UK and Europe, working with some of the world’s most exciting businesses to help protect their cutting-edge technology.

A career in the patent profession offers a unique platform to put your technical expertise into practice in a commercial environment. Long-term career prospects are fantastic and Withers & Rogers pride themselves on their employees' work-life balance: realistic business targets mean that you will have time for a life outside of the office.

Apply now to join Withers & Rogers and discover why a career as a Patent Attorney is a fantastic use of your academic training.

Becoming a Patent Attorney at Withers & Rogers

An excellent salary is on offer, as well as a discretionary Christmas bonus and our full package of employee benefits which includes our healthcare cash plan, holiday buy/sell scheme, a generous sabbatical policy and more.

Qualification as a Chartered UK & European Patent Attorney involves passing several sets of examinations and we provide a comprehensive package of support for our trainees through the process. We will pay for you to attend courses, lectures and tutorials which are organised by the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA). In addition, we have our own in-house tutorial system to prepare trainees for both the UK and European qualifying exams. Our patent professionals offer advice and help throughout so you won't be on your own.

The main focus of training, however, is exposure to a great variety of work on actual live cases under the supervision of a qualified Attorney. We give our trainees real responsibility early on, and you should expect to be making a significant contribution to client work within your first year.

Who we're looking for

Applicants should have a strong degree (2:1 or above at undergraduate level as a minimum) in a chemical engineering discipline ideally, with focus on petrochemicals (catalytic cracking, catalytic reforming etc).

You will be able to demonstrate a passion for technology that goes beyond the academic, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to grasp new technical concepts. Confidence when communicating effectively with clients and staff of all levels is also prerequisite.

Though not essential, relevant work experience may put candidates at an advantage and we would welcome applications from experienced individuals who wish to make a career change into the patent profession.

Why choose Withers & Rogers?

Withers & Rogers is one of Europe’s largest dedicated intellectual property law firms. Our Advanced Engineering group is enthusiastic about great engineering. Our team works across a hugely diverse span of technologies, from medical devices, motorsport, oil and gas exploration and processing, vehicle transmission to off-highway vehicles and sporting goods and more.

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, known for building trusting relationships.

We focus on building strong partnerships with clients - getting to know their business, seeking to understand how best to protect the fruits of their developments and how to ensure that IP protection genuinely adds value to their organisation.

At Withers & Rogers, we believe in nurturing a diverse working environment where everybody feels included and valued. We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining people from all walks of life and backgrounds. We promise to create a culture of inclusion where all individuals feel respected, are treated fairly, can enjoy a good work-life balance, and have the opportunity to excel in their chosen career.

Next Steps

The closing date for applications is Thursday 26 June 2025. The assessment day is booked to take place week commencing 4 August 2025 in our Sheffield office. Successful applicants will start mid September 2025, however earlier start dates will be considered.

Our application form is online and your progress will be saved once you have started the application, allowing you to make edits prior to submitting if you wish to.

Candidates who meet shortlisting requirements will be asked to undertake an online aptitude assessment which we will use to aid our sifting process.

For any questions relating to the vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR team on 0117 925 3030, or by email at HR@withersrogers.com.

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.

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 exciting opportunity has arisen because of increasing work volume and client expansion within the chemical engineering/chemical space. This is a full time, permanent position based in our Munich office.

In this role, your responsibilities will include:

- Drafting specifications in the chemical engineering/chemical space
- Managing patent prosecution globally, including researching prior art and working directly with clients to develop creative and persuasive arguments against patent office objections
- Advising clients on securing appropriate IP protection
- Corresponding with clients, Patent Offices and overseas Attorneys
- 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
- Developing the relationship with our current clients and bringing in new business

About You

To join us, you’ll need:

- A qualified or finals level (UK/DE/FR or European) Patent Attorney
- A strong academic or industry record in chemical engineering or chemistry, ideally with experience in hydrocarbon processing and/or polyester production
- Ability to communicate effectively about technical concepts clearly and accurately with the research and development teams of our clients
- Skilled in analysing and identifying the novel features and commercial potential of an invention with plenty of experience in drafting claims and responses to office actions for prosecution
- Fluent German and English with first-rate communication skills
- A track record of interacting effectively with staff and clients at all levels and an enthusiastic team-player with a proactive approach
- The ability to prioritise workload, manage high volumes of work and meet deadlines
- A track record of building rapport with clients and developing new business

Your Rewards

Our firm has a strong team culture in a pleasant and relaxed work environment. You can expect:
- A motivated and collaborative team
- Modern offices in a convenient location in Munich-Schwabing
- A challenging role with long-term prospects
- Performance-based compensation based on experience
- Attractive additional benefits, including vacation and Christmas bonuses, as well as travel allowances

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.


------


Über uns

Withers & Rogers zählt zu den führenden Anwaltskanzleien für geistiges Eigentum in Europa mit Standorten in Großbritannien, Paris und München. Seit unserer Gründung vor über 140 Jahren setzen wir uns mit Leidenschaft für den optimalen Schutz und die strategische Nutzung von geistigem Eigentum ein. Unsere Mandanten sind renommierte, innovative Unternehmen aus Europa, Nordamerika und Asien.

Wir vereinen erstklassige Expertise in Patent- und Markenrecht mit tiefgehenden Branchenkenntnissen. Unsere Vision ist es, als unabhängige, verantwortungsbewusste und global ausgerichtete Kanzlei nachhaltige Beziehungen aufzubauen und unsere Mandanten bestmöglich zu unterstützen.

Die Rolle

Aufgrund steigender Mandantenanfragen im Bereich Chemieingenieurwesen/Chemie bieten wir eine spannende unbefristete Vollzeitstelle in unserem Münchner Büro.

Ihre Aufgaben

- Verfassen von Patentanmeldungen im Bereich Chemieingenieurwesen/Chemie
- Führen von Patenterteilungsverfahren weltweit, inkl. Recherche zum Stand der Technik und Entwicklung überzeugender Argumentationen gegenüber Patentämtern
- Beratung von Mandanten zur optimalen Sicherung ihres geistigen Eigentums
- Korrespondenz mit Mandanten, Patentämtern und ausländischen Anwälten
- Teilnahme an mündlichen Verhandlungen
- Analyse und Bewertung von geistigen Eigentumsrechten Dritter hinsichtlich Status, Umfang und Gültigkeit
- Wissensaustausch mit und Anleitung von Mitarbeitern
- Aufbau und Pflege eines Netzwerks zur Mandantengewinnung
- Weiterentwicklung bestehender Geschäftsbeziehungen und Erschließung neuer Geschäftsfelder

Ihr Profil

Um in dieser Position erfolgreich zu sein, bringen Sie idealerweise folgende Qualifikationen mit:
- Abgeschlossene Ausbildung als Patentanwalt (UK/DE/FR und/oder Europa)
- Akademischer oder industrieller Hintergrund in Chemieingenieurwesen oder Chemie, idealerweise mit Erfahrung in der petrochemische Verarbeitung und/oder Polyesterproduktion
- Fähigkeit, technische Konzepte präzise und verständlich mit Forschungsteams unserer Mandanten zu kommunizieren
- Fundierte Erfahrung in der Analyse innovativer Merkmale und ihres kommerziellen Potenzials
- Ausgeprägte Kenntnisse in der Formulierung von Patentansprüchen und der Bearbeitung amtlicher Bescheide
- Fließende Deutsch- und Englischkenntnisse mit exzellenten Kommunikationsfähigkeiten
- Erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit mit Mandanten und Mitarbeitern auf allen Ebenen
- Proaktive, strukturierte Arbeitsweise mit hoher Belastbarkeit und Termintreue
- Erfahrung im Aufbau und der Pflege von Kundenbeziehungen sowie in der Geschäftsentwicklung

Unser Angebot
Bei uns erwartet Sie eine starke Teamkultur in einem professionellen und wertschätzenden Umfeld. Wir bieten:
- Ein motiviertes und kollegiales Team
- Moderne Büros in verkehrsgünstiger Lage in München-Schwabing
- Eine anspruchsvolle Tätigkeit mit langfristiger Perspektive
- Leistungsgerechte Vergütung basierend auf Erfahrung
- Attraktive Zusatzleistungen, darunter Urlaubs- und Weihnachtsgeld sowie Fahrtkostenzuschüsse

Bewerbungen werden fortlaufend geprüft – wir freuen uns auf Ihre frühzeitige Kontaktaufnahme!

Wir legen großen Wert auf eine integrative und unterstützende Kultur, die unsere Mitarbeiter dazu ermutigt, ihr Wissen zu erweitern, sich neuen Herausforderungen zu stellen und innovative Ideen einzubringen.

Sind Sie bereit für den nächsten Karriereschritt? Dann freuen wir uns auf Ihre Bewerbung!