Patent Attorney - Mechanical Engineering

Withers & Rogers; Bath; Hybrid; GBP 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading intellectual property law firm in the UK is seeking a dual qualified UK and European Patent Attorney in its Advanced Engineering Group. This full-time position involves drafting specifications, advising clients on IP protection, and managing patent applications. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong mechanical engineering knowledge, impeccable communication skills, and a proactive approach to client relationships. The firm offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a welcoming work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

31 Days Holiday

Cash Plan (healthcare cash plan)

Flexible working options

Enhanced parental leave options

Welcoming work environment

Qualifications

• Must have dual qualification as UK and European Patent Attorney.
• Strong background in Mechanical Engineering to communicate technical concepts.
• Experience in drafting patent specifications and managing client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Draft specifications and respond to office actions for complex inventions.
• Advise clients on securing appropriate IP protection.
• Research and advise on the status and validity of third-party intellectual property rights.

Skills

Dual qualified UK and European Patent Attorney

Knowledge in Mechanical Engineering

Experience in drafting patent specifications

Impeccable written English

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Ability to manage workload

Job description

We believe that our patent and trade mark attorneys, support, and operations staff have a breadth of expertise and a depth of specialist sector knowledge that is second to none.

Our purpose is building trusting relationships, and our vision is to be an independent, responsible, sustainably profitable, and globally focused firm.

The Role

This role is within our Advanced Engineering Group. This is a full‑time, permanent position based in our Bristol office.

Withers & Rogers is one of Europe's largest dedicated intellectual property law firms, with offices across the UK, Paris, and Munich. Established 140 years ago, we remain as passionate as ever about making intellectual property work to our clients’ best advantage. Our clients include many renowned, innovative organisations from across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Responsibilities

• Drafting specifications and responding to office actions for complex inventions to a high standard
• Advising clients on securing appropriate IP protection
• Assisting with oral proceedings at the European Patent Office
• Corresponding with clients, Patent Offices, and overseas Attorneys
• Analysing prior art and working directly with clients to develop creative and persuasive arguments against patent office objections
• Thoroughly analysing and amending existing patent specifications where necessary to address patent office objections to patent applications
• Researching and advising on the status, scope, and validity of third‑party intellectual property rights
• Developing relationships with our current clients and building a network of contacts, with a view to converting contacts to clients and bringing in new business

Qualifications

• Dual qualified UK and European Patent Attorney
• Strong and demonstrable knowledge base in Mechanical Engineering, with the ability to communicate effectively about technical concepts with the research and development teams of our clients
• Skilled in analysing and identifying the novel features and commercial potential of an invention, with demonstrable experience in drafting patent specifications and responses to office actions for prosecution
• Experience managing cases and client relationships, with a track record of building rapport with clients and developing new business
• Impeccable written English, attention to detail, and first‑rate communication skills, with the ability to express ideas clearly and accurately
• Track record of interacting effectively with staff and clients at all levels, and a team player with a proactive approach
• The ability to prioritise workload, manage high volumes of work and meet deadlines

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary: £95,000 – £100,000.

• Hybrid working arrangement
• 31 Days Holiday
• Cash Plan (healthcare cash plan and additional holiday purchase scheme)
• Flexible working options
• Enhanced parental leave options
• Positive and welcoming work environment

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged.

We foster a supportive and inclusive culture where employees are encouraged to broaden their knowledge, challenge themselves and share their ideas.

If you think you have the skills to succeed, we would love to hear from you.