European Patent Attorney

Tate & Lyle; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A global ingredients solutions provider is looking for a dual qualified UK and European Patent Attorney with 2-5 years PQE to manage their global IP portfolio. Responsibilities include advising on patentability, collaborating with innovation teams, and developing IP training programs. The role offers competitive salary, flexible working policy, and a global rewards package including bonuses and medical insurance.

Benefits

Flexible working policy

Competitive salary

Discretionary annual bonus

Excellent employer pension contribution

Personal private medical insurance

Life assurance

Qualifications

• 2-5 years PQE, or recently qualified with in-house experience.
• Experience in contentious proceedings is advantageous.
• Proficient in global patent prosecution processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage global IP portfolio, filing and defending patents.
• Support annual IP budget planning.
• Advise on patentability and validity of third-party rights.
• Partner with Science & Innovation teams for IP alignment.
• Develop and deliver training on IP best practices.
• Contribute to commercial agreements and collaborations.

Skills

UK and European Patent Attorney qualification

Core European patent prosecution skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, or food science

Job description

About us

Tate and Lyle is a successful organisation with a clear purpose, ambition, strategy, and strong expert talent, solely focused on achieving its’ ambition as a world class ingredients solutions provider. We have expanded our plant-based footprint beyond corn into tapioca, stevia leaf, chickpea protein and soluble fibre to explore wider platforms for achieving our ambition. Achieving this ambition will require; development of new capabilities, reallocation of resources and investment to become a leaner, more agile company, leveraging latest technology, process insight and ways of working.

About the role

Join our dynamic Legal team in London and play a key role in shaping and protecting innovation across our business. From our innovative speciality food ingredients to creative marketing and strategic commercial initiatives, your expertise will help safeguard our intellectual property worldwide.

Role and Responsibilities

• Global IP portfolio management including filing, prosecuting, maintaining, and defending patents and trademarks in collaboration with our external counsel.

• Supporting the annual IP budget planning and management.

• Advising on patentability, freedom to operate, and validity of third-party rights through prior art searches and analysis.

• Partnering with our global Science & Innovation teams to identify and protect IP aligned with business strategy—some international travel will be required.

• Assisting in developing and delivering training programs on IP awareness and best practices for employees.

• Contributing to commercial agreements, licensing, collaborations, and M&A activities as your role evolves.

• Excellent communication skills, with an open and creative approach to solving problems, including actively seeking advice from others as required.

• A proactive, organised approach to managing time and priorities across routine prosecution and strategic projects.

What we’re looking for

• A duel qualified UK and European Patent Attorney with 2-5 years PQE, or recently qualified with in-house experience.

• Core European patent prosecution skills, with strong working knowledge of prosecution in US, China, Japan, and other global jurisdictions.

• Experience in contentious proceedings (e.g. EPO oppositions/appeals or similar in other jurisdictions, litigation support) and/or freedom to operate analysis would be advantageous.

• A good collaborator who can communicate effectively with a range of colleagues from different areas of the business and external partners.

• A degree in chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, or food science.

What you’ll get

As business operating in 50 countries worldwide, we offer a global rewards package to all employees alongside a range of country-specific benefits. The global package includes a bonus scheme, 16-week Equal Parental Leave and mental health & well-being support.

• Flexible working policy

• Competitive salary

• Discretionary annual bonus

• Excellent employer pension contribution

• Personal private medical insurance

• Life assurance

Tate & Lyle is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.