At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to draft patent applications and collaborate with global clients.
- Company: A leading firm in intellectual property with a focus on science and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for science and law while making a real impact in the field.
- Qualifications: Interest in science and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Engaging work environment with opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
As part of the close-knit chemistry and biosciences team, and with a global client list, patent attorney Philip French has plenty of opportunities to share his IP expertise.
I work in the office three days a week and work from home for the other two days. Today is a day in the office and, therefore, it is an early start.
6.55am
I catch the train to London Paddington, I am amazed by the number of other people waiting on the platform at that time in the morning. My first job is porridge. However, once fortified with porridge my day can begin. I can view my emails and I can access our internal files, from my laptop, and therefore, I have everything I need.
7.10am
I check my emails. I have one email from one of our US associates reporting the filing of a response to an examination report at the US Patent Office, which I forward to our client.
7.15am
My first job is to instruct our Russian Associate to respond to an examination report for one of our client’s applications in Uzbekistan. The examination report is the third we have received from the Uzbek Examiner and contains mainly clarity objections. I enjoy the intellectual challenge of responding to objections from Examiners. Often, an Examiner asserts that claims are not inventive, but when you look carefully at the documents, there are strong arguments to overcome the Examiner’s assertion.
8.30am
I arrive at London Paddington and therefore it is time to sample the delights of rush hour on the Central Line. The Central line is particularly sardine tin-like today!
9.10am
I arrive in the office and after logging into my computer and coffee, I am ready for the rest of the day.
9.30am
I finish my instructions to our Russian Associate and email them to him. I receive an acknowledgement of receipt, almost immediately. I hope the next communication we receive from the Uzbek Examiner will be an acceptance of the application to go to grant.
11.00am
My next job is to work on drafting a patent application. We have a university client who is interested in using biomarkers to predict the response of cancer patients to specific treatments and to predict side effects. This is interesting science. The great thing about patents as a career it that you can combine an interest in science with the legal side, which is equally interesting.
Time for lunch. I usually go for a 30 minute walk and pick up a sandwich on the way round.
1.45pm
I return to drafting the patent application. I should have the application finished this week and I will send it to the client for a final review. Assuming I get instructions from the client, I aim to file at the end of the week or early next week. This will be filed at the UK Intellectual Property Office and will serve as a priority application for a later filing.
3.00pm
I meet one of our clients in the office. He is based abroad and is in London for a meeting. He has come for an update on the case we filed for him about 3 months ago. All is in order and we expect the application will publish in 3 months. We discuss next steps and whether further applications are required.
3.45pm
I now turn to the appeal we have for one of our client’s applications in Israel. This application has been rejected by the Israeli Examiner and we are preparing for an oral hearing. We work with attorneys throughout the world, and in this case, the oral hearing will be attended by our Israeli Associate. In some cases, we would also attend the hearing but in this case we are not. I am currently drafting a brief for our Associate to give him all the information he needs for the hearing. I think we have strong arguments and equivalent applications have been granted in many other countries.
4.45pm
Time to leave the office to catch the train home.
5.20pm
I catch the train and armed with a latte I am ready to do some more work. Today I am preparing for some training I am giving to some of our patent administrators. We run internal training for a qualification which they can sit and I am giving the revision session looking at European patent law. I enjoy training, especially when you have people keen to learn, as our administrators are.
6.50pm
Train arrives and it is only 5 minutes’ drive home. First job will be making a big fuss of the dogs!
\”One of the things I really enjoy about my job is meeting scientists and discussing their work.\”
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Day in the life of an associate employer: Abel & Imray
Contact Detail:
Abel & Imray Recruiting Team
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We think this is how you could land Day in the life of an associate
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We think you need these skills to ace Day in the life of an associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and the team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the job description. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for in an associate. It shows us you’ve done your homework!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Abel & Imray
✨Know Your IP Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your intellectual property knowledge, especially in relation to patents. Familiarise yourself with common terms and processes, as well as recent developments in the field. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you approach complex problems, like responding to examination reports. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges, particularly in a scientific or legal context. This will highlight your critical thinking abilities.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated effectively in the past. Discuss any experiences where you’ve worked with international colleagues or clients, as this will resonate well with the global aspect of the job.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and specific projects you might be involved in. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the position but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.