European Patent (EP) Paralegal
Location: Bracknell (Hybrid working – 2 days a week in the office)
Duration: 12 months
Pay rate: Up to £20.35 per hour PAYE
Hours: 36.25 hours per week
This position sits within the IP Operations group and provides specialist European patent paralegal expertise supporting the full EP patent lifecycle — from prosecution and grant through to opposition, validation, and exclusivity management. The EP Paralegal will work closely with internal patent attorneys, external European law firms, and the European Patent Office (EPO), ensuring that all EP-related actions are completed accurately, on time, and in accordance with EPO procedural requirements, the European Patent Convention (EPC), internal policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
- Reviewing and docketing incoming European correspondence, ensuring deadlines and required actions are accurately captured in Anaqua. Also monitoring EPO and internal deadlines across the EP patent lifecycle, from prosecution through to grant, opposition, and validation.
- Liaising with internal patent attorneys and external European law firms to progress EP filings and actions.
- Preparing and filing documents via EPO Online Filing 2.0 and MyEPO. Also supporting oppositions and other EPO proceedings, including preparation of procedural documentation.
- Assisting with SPC/PTE tracking and lifecycle management, where relevant.
Knowledge, skills and competencies:
- 2+ years of experience as an EP patent paralegal or equivalent front-line IP support role. CIPA or EPAC Paralegal qualification is preferable.
- Demonstrable experience in EP patent prosecution support and familiarity with EPO procedural rules under the EPC.
- An understanding and awareness of the global patent landscape (United States, PCT and National phase filings).
- Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with an understanding of the SPC/PTE process, would be preferred.
- Experience working across large IP portfolios in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
- Proven ability to self-manage workload, prioritise competing deadlines, and escalate risks in a timely manner.
- Proficient in the use of IP docketing systems; experience with Anaqua would be an advantage.
- Also proficient in the use of MyEPO and EPO Online Filing 2.0.
- Strong attention to detail and data integrity, with excellent reading comprehension and proofreading skills.
European Patent (EP) Paralegal in Reading employer: Cpl Life Sciences
Cpl Life Sciences is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the biotechnology sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members benefit from hybrid working arrangements in West London, allowing for a balanced work-life integration while contributing to groundbreaking projects in regulatory affairs. The company values continuous improvement and provides opportunities for meaningful contributions to the advancement of healthcare solutions.
