Patent Paralegal/Administrator

UCB S.A.; Slough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job description

Make your mark for patients

We are looking for aPatent Portfolio Managerwho isdetail-oriented, proactive, and adaptableto join ourIntellectual Propertyteam, based in ourSloughoffice in theUK.

About the role

In this crucial role, you will be responsible for providing IP support to a team of attorneys. Your work will have a direct impact on deadlines and patent filings, so attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure are essential. You will coordinate various tasks, manage patent formalities, and assist in maintaining an effective docketing system, all while ensuring deadlines are met.

Who you’ll work with
You’ll be part of a dynamic team of administrators, working closely with attorneys and external partners like IP agents. Your team is focused on efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration. You’ll report directly to the team lead and will be supported by a skilled group with diverse expertise in IP. The team thrives on shared responsibility, and your contribution will be essential in maintaining a smooth, well-functioning process.

What you’ll do

• You will be responsible for handling all communication via a shared mailbox, ensuring that requests, documents, and queries are efficiently addressed and directed to the appropriate parties.
• You will proactively monitor and track deadlines, collaborating closely with attorneys and administrators to ensure that important dates are met. Your organizational skills will be essential in keeping the workflow on track.
• You will assist in preparing and filing patent applications using online filing tools for various jurisdictions, such as EPO, UKIPO, and PCT. This involves ensuring accuracy and timely submissions in line with legal requirements.
• You will work with foreign agents to facilitate national phase entries, EP validations, and manage other official patent actions such as requesting examination or paying fees, ensuring all formalities are completed correctly.
• Using the Memotech Docketing system, you will monitor and update due dates, ensuring all deadlines are recorded and tracked to maintain a well-organized and up-to-date docket.
• You will assist with preparing key documents such as powers of attorney (POA), assignments, and other patent formalities. You will ensure that these documents meet the necessary legal standards.

Interested?
For this role, we’re looking for the following education, experience, and skills:

• Previous experience in a similar role (1-4 years): Experience working in patent administration or a similar role is essential for managing the variety of tasks and deadlines this position involves.
• Proficient with patent databases: You will need to have hands-on experience with patent databases like Memotech/Inprotech and First to File/electronic filing systems to ensure smooth patent tracking and management.
• Experience with online filing tools: Familiarity with online filing platforms such as EPO OLF, ePCT, and UK filings is important for preparing and submitting patent applications.
• CIPA qualification is a plus: While not mandatory, a CIPA qualification would be advantageous, providing you with deeper knowledge of patent law and processes.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office: You should be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel, as these tools will be used frequently for communication and document preparation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills: You will be interacting with attorneys, administrators, and external agents, so strong communication skills are essential for managing relationships and ensuring accurate and clear correspondence.

At UCB, we strive to attract passionate and outstanding talents who thrive on change and are ready to bring real value to patients. Working for us you’ll discover a place where you can grow and express your full potential. We place an emphasis on innovation, collaboration and impact. Through meaningful recognition and a motivating work atmosphere, we aim to provide an optimal experience by caring about and valuing our employees – just as we do for the patients we serve.

If you believe you are the perfect match to join us on our pioneering adventure, then we invite you to apply and tell us more about your profile and motivation.

Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About us
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are around 8,500 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?
At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equitable opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

UCB and its subsidiaries encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race/color/religion/sex/national origin/veteran/disability/age/sexual orientation/gender identity.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [e-mail]. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.