Paralegal

Merck; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the pharmaceutical sector is seeking a meticulous in-house Paralegal to join their European patent department in London. The role involves collaboration with patent attorneys and handling various responsibilities related to patent filings and legal support, ensuring efficient delivery of legal services. Ideal candidates will possess a CIPA qualification and extensive paralegal experience in patent law, particularly within pharmaceutical settings. This is a hybrid position, offering flexibility and a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years paralegal experience in a patent department or patent firm.
• Proven experience with PCT and EPO rules and regulations.
• Strong technical skills with data visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file applications at the EPO and process correspondence.
• Manage portfolio intakes and monitor deadlines.
• Instruct external firms on filings and manage SPC applications.

Skills

Business Partnerships

Data Analytics

Legal Research

Patent Law

Confidentiality

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Education

CIPA qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Patent Databases

EPO Electronic Filing System

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented in-house Paralegal to join our friendly European patent department legal team based in Moorgate, London. This position will work with European patent attorneys, Administrative Associates and UK, US, and NL paralegals within the Offices of General Counsel (OGC), to enable the efficient and effective delivery of patent legal services to our business and functional partners. This role will report directly to the Manager of the Paralegal Group, a Senior Specialist in the Legal Support Function.

Key Responsibilities:

The main paralegal responsibilities currently include preparing and filing applications at the EPO, processing EPO correspondence, docketing and reporting from the patent database, monitoring deadlines, uploading documents onto electronic case folders, instructing external firms on filings, managing portfolio intakes for Europe, processing abandonments, obtaining powers of attorney, and filing, processing and managing SPC applications.

Education:

CIPA qualification required.

Required experience and skills:

• 5+ years paralegal experience in a patent department of a pharmaceutical company or a patent firm.
• High level of knowledge and experience of international and European patent filing and prosecution, including proven experience and deep understanding of PCT and EPO rules, laws and procedures, and use of EPO’s Electronic Filing System and electronic forms.
• Advanced proficiency with patent docketing systems and EPO and international patent filing systems.
• Strong technical skills; proficient in all Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Project; familiarity with Legal technology (EPO. 2.0, e-Billing/Matter Management, SharePoint, etc.)
• Strong business partnering and executive level communication skills.
• Strong data and data analytics skills including proficiency with data visualization tools and techniques.
• Strong execution skills and the ability to deliver to deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Self-motivated/independent/resourceful.
• Ability to work under time pressure.
• Ability to handle and prioritize many simultaneous assignments.
• Ability to exercise initiative, flexibility, tact, and independent judgment.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated team player with a strong work ethic.
• High attention to detail and the ability to work independently.

Preferred experience and skills:

• Knowledge and experience of EPO opposition proceedings.
• Knowledge of filing SPCs in the EU/EEA, GB, Switzerland and other SPC eligible countries.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills:

Ability to Work Under Pressure, Ability to Work Under Pressure, Adaptability, Business, Business Partnerships, Cite Checking, Confidentiality, Contract Administration, Customer Experience Management, Data Analytics, Data Management, Legal Acumen, Legal Documents Preparation, Legal Research, Legal Services, Legal Technology, Litigation Preparation, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Office Support, Microsoft Project, Notary Services, Patent Databases, Patent Law, Patent Prosecution, Power of Attorney (POA) {+ 4 more}

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

07/31/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.