Patent Paralegal (4 days a week)

Questel; Norwich, Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Part-time contract (4 days/week)

Hybrid/Remote options within UK

Career advancement opportunities

Inclusive, collaborative culture

Job summary

Novagraaf in the UK is seeking a Patent Paralegal to join our team. The role supports attorneys and the paralegal group across the full patent lifecycle, from filing to grant, including EP validations and translations.

The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of patent paralegal experience, preferably with a CIPA qualification, and demonstrates strong organisation, attention to detail, and flexible collaboration across UK offices or remotely within the UK.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years patent paralegal experience.
• CIPA qualification preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor mailboxes and deadlines; update records.
• Prepare and file official forms via filing portals.
• Handle EP grant formalities and translations.
• Prepare patent portfolio schedules and liaise with foreign associates.
• Invoicing, refunds and liaison with finance.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

CIPA qualification

Tools

Online filing 2.0

IPO portal

ePCT portal

Job description

Novagraaf is an international IP consultancy firm and part of the Questel group. As patent, trademark, design and domain name specialists, we are able to assist clients with all their IP strategy, legal and management needs. Our expertise and day-to-day work includes advising on new ideas, discoveries and inventions, on protecting new brands (trademarks) and innovative new products (design), and on creating and exploiting strong trademark, design and patent portfolios. Whether patents, trademarks, designs or domain names, Novagraaf specialises in the international protection and management of IP rights, including identifying abuse and acting decisively if and when infringement takes place.

With more than 130 years of experience, we have a long and distinguished heritage in the IP field, but we do not rest on our laurels. We are constantly innovating to provide clients with tailored and intelligent solutions to help them to protect, manage, enforce and exploit their IP rights worldwide.

Your next adventure awaits here

We are looking for our future Patent Paralegal to join our team. This role can be fully remote within the UK or hybrid/office-based in Norwich or London. Permanent, part-time (4 days a week).

The candidate will work closely with our attorneys and the wider paralegal team, providing high-quality support across the full patent lifecycle.

Key responsibilities, from filing to grant:

• Monitoring mailboxes and processing incoming correspondence, updating records system in respect of deadlines.
• Monitoring critical fee earner due dates and formalities deadlines.
• Preparing and filing official forms via Online filing 2.0, One IPO and ePCT portal
• Handling EP grant formalities, obtaining translations and preparing responses for filing; preparing validation estimates; liaising with our validations team to file EP validations and Unitary Patents and obtaining signed POA’s where required.
• Communicating with clients, preparing template letters, sending reminders and invoicing in respect of action taken.
• Liaising with foreign associates.
• Preparation of patent portfolio schedules on request.
• Some design and utility model formalities work.
• Processing refunds, assisting with accounts related queries and liaising with our finance team to approve invoices.
• Updating process documents and additional ad-hoc tasks where necessary.
• Answering telephone calls/dealing with enquiries and forwarding messages to the appropriate person.

The perfect match…

We are seeking someone with:

• Minimum 2 years of patent paralegal experience
• CIPA qualification (strongly preferred)

You will be:

• Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple deadlines and a varying workload
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in document preparation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proactive approach to your work
• Ambitious for increased responsibility and progression
• Flexible attitude to work

In addition, it is expected that the candidate will meet the foundational proficiency level of Novagraaf’s Core Competency requirements: customer connectedness, results-oriented, business/commercial awareness, flexibility and resilience.

What we offer…

• Part-time (4 days a week) - permanent contract
• A role at the heart of aprestigious European law firm.
• An inclusive culture and continuous learning environment with career advancement opportunities
• Hybrid working between our office (in Norwich or in London), or the opportunity to work fully remotely within the UK
• International team: Offices in theEMEA, USA and APAC
• A wide range of tasks that will allow you to learn and develop your career!

Driven by values of entrepreneurship, respect, and integrity, Questel is committed to growth and social responsibility. We foster an inclusive, equitable workplace where all feel respected and empowered, regardless of background. Questel is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all qualified applicants without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected factors.