Part Qualified Patent Counsel

Hitachi Vantara Corporation; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a Patent Counsel to join its global IP team, focusing on sustainable products like Transformers and High Voltage products. The ideal candidate should be a part or newly-qualified European Patent Attorney with a degree in engineering and experience in IP. The position can be based in London or Birmingham with flexible working options.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Support for personal development

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Part or Newly-Qualified European Patent Attorney with experience in IP.
• Must have work experience focusing on electro-mechanical inventions.
• Proficiency in English is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support and advise on invention disclosures and IP opportunities.
• Draft and prosecute patent applications with external counsel.
• Define and lead risk management activities globally.
• Educate teams on IP awareness.
• Contribute to improve IP performance.

Skills

IP opportunities identification

Patent application drafting

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Technical expertise in electro-mechanical inventions

Education

Degree in electrical engineering, electronics, physics, or mechanical engineering

Job description

Description

Hitachi Energy is looking for a Patent Counsel to further strengthen Hitachi Energy’s global IP team, focused on our Sustainable Products portfolio which includes Transformers and High Voltage products.

As Patent Counsel, you will bring your skills and expertise to ensure our strategic IP portfolio develops in accordance with our IP strategy. The successful candidate will draft, file and prosecute patent applications and maintain, and defend patent rights, together with our team of Patent Counsels.

At Hitachi Energy, diversity is more than a value—it’s our strength. We are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, can thrive, and contribute their unique perspectives. Through our global Diversity 360 strategy, we foster a culture of inclusion, equity, and respect—regardless of background, gender, age, ethnicity, ability, or identity. Our inclusive environment fuels innovation, drives collaboration, and empowers our people to shape a sustainable energy future for all.

The working location for this role is London or Birmingham, with the possibility to work onsite, hybrid or remote model from the UK. Other European locations such as Italy, Spain or Sweden are possible as a base, however relocation and visa support is not available. The role may require some domestic and overseas travelling occasionally.

How you’ll make an impact

• Actively support and advise on the preparation of invention disclosures, identify IP opportunities and maximize potential; align filings with company’s defined roadmap and strategy.
• Together with external counsel, draft, file and prosecute patent applications and maintain, and defend patent rights. Manage external supplier engagements in terms of technical and legal expertise, quality and cost; take action as needed.
• Define and lead risk management activities on a global basis in consideration of all relevant jurisdictions; direct and supervise monitoring of competitor patent protection for the benefit of various stakeholders across IP, R&D and the Business.
• Educate and drive awareness of IP and make decisions for IP actions through programs and initiatives throughout R&D and beyond; working closely with Strategic IP Counsels to deliver strategic IP portfolios for Hitachi Energy; provide training and preparing relevant communication materials as appropriate.
• Contribute to projects to continually improve IP awareness and performance.

Your background

• Part or Newly-Qualified European Patent Attorney, with a degree in electrical engineering, electronics, physics, or mechanical engineering; work experience in IP focusing on electro-mechanical inventions in a law firm or multinational company.
• Experience with computer-implemented inventions is advantageous.
• A flexible, self-driven, and proactive growth mindset, and able to work in a global business with local and remote colleagues.
• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent analytical skills be a quick study of technology, and possess a diversity of technical expertise, including the ability to relate to general technologies with one or more areas of expertise.
• Hitachi Energy’s working language is English, therefore high proficiency is essential.

What we offer

We pride ourselves on offering a holistic range of competitive benefits to support your financial, physical, and mental well-being and personal development. We want you to thrive with us, in work and out truly.

Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.

This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.