Patent Paralegal

Confidential; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking a Patent Paralegal in London to support a busy IP team through the lifecycle of patent matters, from filings to prosecution and portfolio management.

You will work alongside patent attorneys and IP colleagues, handling interactions with clients, patent offices and overseas associates, ensuring timely actions and accurate documentation throughout the process.

Qualifications

• Experience in patent procedures and lifecycle
• Strong communication with clients, attorneys and offices
• Familiarity with UK/European/international patent portfolios
• Ability to manage deadlines and priorities in a busy workload
• Attention to detail with legal documentation

Responsibilities

• Support patent attorneys with UK/European/international matters
• Coordinate new filings and ensure documentation is ready
• Assist prosecution activities and respond to procedural requirements
• Track deadlines and action items within timescales
• Liaise with clients, patent offices and overseas associates
• Prepare and review forms and correspondence for patent applications
• Maintain records in IP management systems
• Assist with portfolio reviews and portfolio updates
• Provide updates to clients on their portfolios
• Assist with renewal and maintenance activities
• Resolve administrative queries and escalate complex issues
• Contribute to efficient processes within the team

Skills

Communication

Deadline management

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Education

IP qualifications or formal training

Tools

Microsoft Office

IP management systems

Patent docketing software

Job description

Patent Paralegal - London

Our client is a well-established firm with a busy and growing intellectual property practice, advising a broad range of clients on domestic and international patent matters. They are looking to appoint a Patent Paralegal to provide specialist support to their patent team. This is a varied opportunity for someone with a strong understanding of patent procedures who enjoys taking ownership of their work and being closely involved in the progression of matters.

Working alongside patent attorneys and other members of the IP team, you will assist throughout the lifecycle of patent matters, from initial filings through to prosecution and ongoing portfolio management. The role will involve regular interaction with clients, patent offices and overseas associates, so strong communication skills and a thorough approach are important.

Responsibilities

• Support patent attorneys with the preparation and administration of UK, European and international patent matters
• Coordinate new patent filings and ensure all required documentation and information is available
• Assist with prosecution activities, including monitoring applications and responding to procedural requirements
• Track deadlines and ensure necessary actions are completed within the appropriate timescales
• Liaise with clients, patent offices and foreign associates on matters relating to patent portfolios
• Prepare and review forms, correspondence and other documentation associated with patent applications
• Maintain accurate and up to date records across relevant IP management systems
• Assist with portfolio reviews, transfers and other changes to client patent records
• Support attorneys with reporting and providing clients with updates on their portfolios
• Assist with renewal and maintenance activities where required
• Help resolve administrative or procedural queries and raise more complex issues appropriately
• Contribute to maintaining efficient processes across the wider patent support team

Requirements

• Previous experience working in a Patent Paralegal, patent formalities or similar IP support position
• Good understanding of patent procedures and the different stages of the patent lifecycle
• Experience supporting UK, European and/or international patent portfolios
• Strong ability to manage deadlines and prioritise a varied workload
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy when handling technical and legal documentation
• Confident communicating with clients, attorneys, patent offices and overseas representatives
• Strong Microsoft Office skills and confidence working with specialist IP systems
• Well organised, reliable and able to take ownership of assigned matters
• Comfortable working independently while contributing effectively within a wider team
• Professional approach to handling confidential client information
• Relevant IP qualifications or formal training would be advantageous
• Experience with patent docketing or portfolio management software would be beneficial