European Patent Attorney - EPA

BT Group; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications company in London is seeking a qualified European Patent Attorney to manage their international patent portfolio and draft patent applications. The role demands experience in computer-implemented inventions and a solid understanding of BT's technical areas. This position provides a chance to influence BT's innovation strategies and offers competitive benefits, including a 15% annual bonus and extensive healthcare coverage.

Benefits

Annual on-target bonus 15%

Car allowance

Private healthcare

10% BT pension contribution

Life assurance

Direct share scheme

Colleague discounts

Volunteering days

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Qualified European Patent Attorney preferred for overseeing patent applications.
• Experience with computer-implemented inventions and telecommunications is essential.
• Ability to understand complex technical areas related to BT's operations.

Responsibilities

• Draft and file patent applications in various territories.
• Manage BT's international patent portfolio strategically.
• Educate internal teams on IP impacts and best practices.

Skills

Qualified European Patent Attorney

Independent direct patent drafting experience

Understanding of cybersecurity

Experience in instructing overseas prosecution

Education

UK Chartered Patent Attorney

Job description

Responsibilities

• Work closely with researchers, developers, engineers, and technicians to identify inventions, determine suitability for patent protection, and draft and file patent applications in multiple territories, taking an expert role in specific technical areas.
• Take responsibility for prosecuting and maintaining a portion of BT's international patent portfolio in a timely, cost‑effective, and commercially strategic manner.
• Develop and execute IP strategies for, and provide IP law counsel on, research and IP commercialisation projects.
• Provide internal IP education to increase understanding and awareness of the commercial impact of IP.
• Proactively share knowledge and experience with the rest of the Patents Team to stay up to date with developments in law and best practice.

Qualifications

• Qualified European Patent Attorney (preferably UK Chartered Patent Attorney, Authorised Representative before the European Unified Patent Court).
• Independent direct patent drafting and prosecution experience, preferably with computer‑implemented inventions, AI, quantum technologies, and telecommunications.
• Ability to understand the work of BT's technical teams in areas such as cybersecurity, quantum key distribution, optical networks, content delivery, network service orchestration, and network anomaly detection.
• Experience in one or more of: instructing overseas prosecution, oral advocacy, appeal proceedings, IP education, IP disputes, reviewing IP terms, advising on complementary IP rights (e.g. designs, copyright, confidential information), IP due diligence, standard essential patents, operational excellence projects.

About BT

Innovation has driven BT's long heritage, and is crucial to the transformational technological development required to fulfil our purpose to connect for good in the modern world. Protecting the IP rights generated underpins significant value to BT. Our large in‑house team of patent attorneys plays a key strategic role in maximising benefit from innovation through our collaboration with researchers and commercialisation experts to directly draft, prosecute, and support monetisation of BT's technically varied patent applications. With over 175 years of heritage, BT is now the flagship business brand of BT Group. We've brought together our best people and capabilities into a B2B powerhouse serving 1.2 million business customers internationally.

We're a global leader for secure connectivity and collaboration platforms for businesses of all shapes and sizes, from big household names and government departments, right through to sole traders and new start‑ups. But it's not just the technology that matters, it's what it can do to help them build stronger, smarter, more secure businesses. We value diversity and inclusion and believe in making a positive impact. We connect for good by championing digital inclusion and equipping people, businesses, and communities with digital skills to thrive. As a member of our team, you will be part of an organisation that celebrates difference, fosters innovation and provides you with opportunities to be your best. With millions of businesses relying on us daily, joining BT means you can be part of a diverse and multi‑skilled team that makes a significant impact to society.

Values and Expectations

Leading inclusively and safely – I inspire and build trust through self‑awareness, honesty and integrity. Owning outcomes – I take the right decisions that benefit the broader organisation. Looking out: Delivering for the customer – I execute brilliantly on clear priorities that add value to our customers and the wider business. Commercially savvy – I demonstrate strong commercial focus, bringing an external perspective to decision‑making. Looking to the future: Growth mindset – I experiment and identify opportunities for growth for both myself and the organisation. Building for the future – I build diverse future‑ready teams where all individuals can be at their best.

Benefits

• Annual on‑target bonus 15% (personal and company multipliers can be overachieved).
• Car allowance – worth £5,500 a year (can be taken as cash).
• Private healthcare for you and your family.
• 10% BT pension contribution when you pay in 5%.
• Life assurance.
• Direct share scheme.
• Exclusive colleague discounts on our latest and greatest BT broadband packages.
• 50% off EE mobile pay monthly or SIM only plans, and 50% discount for friends and family on EE SIM only plans.
• My Discounts gives colleagues access to unbeatable savings on everyday purchases at hundreds of retailers.
• Discounted EE TV including TNT Sport and the NOW Entertainment membership.
• Great support for working parents including pay whilst on maternity, adoptive, and paternity leave.
• 25 days annual leave (not including bank holidays), increasing with service, with buy holiday option.
• Volunteering days so you can give back to your local community.
• Brand new electric vehicle salary sacrifice arrangement, known as ‘My EV’.