Intellectual Property Paralegal

Location: Belfast

Workplace: Hybrid

The opportunity: We are looking for a Paralegal to join our highly-regarded Intellectual Property team at Baker McKenzie, Belfast. The successful applicant will be responsible for providing support to the Firm's Intellectual Property practice. We have a high volume of IP prosecution, maintenance, and IP transactional work in a deadline-driven environment. You will be working on the rapidly developing IP portfolios of household names that have worldwide coverage and, as such, will need to have a global mindset with the ability to pick up knowledge regarding different requirements throughout the world. The role involves working with a range of people of varying levels across the world. The successful applicant will need to have the confidence and ability to coordinate effectively with technology teams, paralegals, lawyers and partners across different cultures and teams, and to be able to drive matters forward with local counsel or our internal/external clients. As such, the successful candidate will be providing key support to a range of more senior professionals, each of whom will need to be able to place reliance on the work performed.

Working at Baker McKenzie: Baker McKenzie is the world's leading law firm with offices all over the world. Our Belfast Centre is home to over 400 colleagues in both legal and professional services. We offer one of the best workplace benefits packages in the business with comprehensive private health cover, income protection, life assurance and a full employee assistance plan. These and a host of other benefits make us one of the most desirable companies to work for in Belfast. We are committed to promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity for all and are confident we can provide a career as individual and as exceptional as you.

Main responsibilities: Your primary responsibility will be to support the Firm's Global IP practice on a range of matters including aspects of the following:

• Technical: Handling technical trade mark formalities including all pre-registration, prosecution, maintenance, renewal, and post-registration steps. This involves managing complex operational or technical issues and seeking guidance when required. Preparation of client reporting emails without supervision. Supporting global IP M&A matters, including the recordal of assignments, licenses, security interests, and changes of name and address at local registries. This includes drafting legal documents, liaising with local counsel, producing schedules, communicating with internal stakeholders, and arranging for the execution of documents. Conducting comprehensive IP asset due diligence using official trade mark, patent, copyright, and design online registries, as well as other screening platforms, to audit data from local associates, commercial databases, and other parties with limited supervision. Supporting global anti-counterfeiting programmes. This includes drafting product guides, handling seizure notifications, handling and coordinating AFA filings, and liaising with infringers. Conducting trade mark scan searches and drafting high-quality search reports. Performing trade mark watching services. Developing legal knowledge and expertise to provide the highest levels of support to Firm lawyers and clients.
• Services and process standards: Liaising with Global teams to understand and follow correct procedures. Effectively implementing and maintaining established processes. Meeting agreed service delivery standards and providing accurate, high-quality service while managing your workload and deadlines. Assist with docket and deadline management and other trade mark related tasks as required from time to time. Proactively informing your manager and colleagues in advance if deadlines and workload cannot be met. Understanding and complying with all the Firm's procedures and standards.

Essential Criteria: Relevant undergraduate degree with 2.1 or above preferred. Legal background with trade mark/IP experience (preferred). Have an intrinsic passion for Intellectual Property and a keenness to develop specialist IP knowledge and skills over time. Authorisation to work in the United Kingdom.

Desirable Criteria: A CITMA qualification would be an advantage.

Personal & Technical Skills: High work standards, including excellent attention to detail and strong prioritisation and organisation skills. A proven proactive attitude. Keen to develop and use initiative. Ability to work independently, with the confidence to drive matters forward. Ability to stay calm in demanding situations, in particular when working on high-pressure projects. Have a clear and succinct writing style. Comfortable working to and taking personal responsibility for managing tight deadlines. Works well as part of a team. Ability to adapt your style of working to different work types and client requirements. Good interpersonal skills, both verbally and in writing, whether dealing with colleagues, service providers, or internal/external clients.

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