Job Description
Patent Paralegal - London
About the Client
Our client is a leading, internationally recognised intellectual property firm with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, commercially focused advice across patents, trade marks, designs and IP disputes. With a collaborative and forward-thinking culture, the firm places significant emphasis on professional development, cross-training and innovation in legal support services. Its IP support function is integral to the business, offering exposure to complex, multi-jurisdictional matters and direct client interaction within a dynamic and supportive environment.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced IP Paralegal to join a multi-disciplinary team supporting fee earners across a broad range of intellectual property matters. Working closely with attorneys and senior stakeholders, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality support on both contentious and non-contentious matters. The position offers a high level of autonomy, with responsibility for varied and intellectually engaging work beyond routine formalities, making it ideal for someone looking to deepen and broaden their IP expertise.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day support to fee earners across patents, trade marks, designs and assignments
- Maintain regular and direct communication with clients and foreign associates
- Assist with the prosecution of IP rights, including managing non-technical stages of applications
- Coordinate and manage international filings (e.g. PCT national phase entries and international trade mark programmes)
- Maintain and update IP records using the firm's IP management system, ensuring accuracy and completeness
- Prepare and review client portfolio reports prior to distribution
- Support the management and processing of renewals, including liaising with external agents and service providers
- Conduct IP searches and monitoring activities, including analysis of findings
- Assist with portfolio transfers and onboarding of new client matters
- Prepare cost estimates, forecasts and support billing processes
- Draft and file assignments and manage name and address changes
- Coordinate execution formalities, including signatures, notarisation and legalisation of documents
- Support due diligence exercises and legal research tasks
- Contribute to internal projects, including process improvements and systems development
- Mentor and support junior team members where appropriate
Key Requirements
- Previous experience as an IP Paralegal within a law firm or specialist IP practice
- Exposure to one or more areas of IP (patents, trade marks, designs, or assignments)
- Strong understanding of IP processes and procedures, particularly in multi-jurisdictional contexts
- Experience coordinating international filings and working with foreign agents
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Confident communicator with experience handling client enquiries
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Proactive and adaptable approach, with a willingness to support across different IP disciplines
- Experience using IP management systems (eg Inprotech) is advantageous
