European Patent Attorney

Canon; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in imaging technology is seeking a European Patent Attorney to provide timely and strategic patent services. This role includes drafting and prosecuting patent applications, collaborating with engineers in Japan, and engaging in various IP activities related to digital standards and healthcare technologies. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in multiple languages will enhance success in this role, contributing to Canon's culture of innovation. This position offers competitive benefits and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Professional development

Inclusive culture

Healthcare benefits

Flexible working

Employee discounts

Bonuses

Qualifications

• University degree in a technical subject required.
• Fully or part qualified European and UK patent attorney.
• Experience in patent engineering or in-house patent work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Filing and prosecuting patent applications across Europe and internationally.
• Collaborating with patent engineers and supporting digital standardization efforts.
• Engaging in invention harvesting and providing general IP advice.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Customer focus

Education

University degree in a technical subject

Qualification as European and UK patent attorney

Job description

Canon Europe is seeking a European Patent Attorney to provide high-quality, timely, flexible, and cost-efficient patent services. Responsibilities include drafting, filing, prosecution, opposition, appeals, and freedom to operate searches.

Key duties involve:

1. Filing and prosecuting patent applications for Canon Inc (CINC) across Europe, UK, and internationally, including participation in UK IPO hearings and EPO oral proceedings.
2. Working with technologies such as medical imaging, image sensors, camera lenses, user interfaces, video systems, digital standards, image processing, control systems, and multi-function printers. Increasingly, AI technologies applied to imaging software and hardware are involved.
3. Collaborating with patent engineers in Japan to coordinate prosecution strategies in the UK and Europe, including EPO appeals.
4. Supporting digital standardization efforts with technologies like video coding (HEVC/VVC), streaming (MPEG-DASH), wireless communications (5G, Wi-Fi 802.11), and connected vehicles.
5. Drafting, filing, and prosecuting patents targeting digital standards features, guiding applications through various countries.
6. Providing patent support for group members such as Milestone, NT-ware, Therefore, IRIS, and Arcules.
7. Engaging in invention harvesting, drafting, prosecution, licensing, enforcement, negotiations, disputes, and general IP advice. Some travel within Europe may be required.
8. Contributing to a culture of technological innovation and developing IP processes and training within the group.

Benefits include professional development, inclusive culture, sustainability commitment, and various employee wellbeing perks such as bonuses, flexible working, healthcare, discounts, and more.

Requirements:

• University degree in a technical subject.
• Fully or part qualified European and UK patent attorney.
• Experience in patent engineering or in-house patent work.
• Interest or experience in digital standards, AI, and foreign patent prosecution is advantageous.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and IT skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to understand business needs, manage multiple tasks, work independently, and supervise others.
• Proficiency in English and at least one other European language.

Core competencies include high standards of accuracy, effective communication, insight creation, customer focus, and flexibility.