Trainee Trade Mark Attorney

The successful candidate will support two of our Trade Mark Partners based in the London office, while also working closely with colleagues across our UK and European network. The team manages a diverse and dynamic portfolio of clients, with particular strength in the Retail, Food & Drink, and Fashion sectors. Alongside studying towards qualification as a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, you will receive structured training and hands-on experience with client work under the supervision of experienced professionals. This will provide you with the practical knowledge and skills needed to grow and succeed in the Trade Mark profession over time.

Main Responsibilities:

• Advising Clients

• Engaging with clients to assess the registrability and protection potential of trade marks and designs
• Advising on prospects of success and providing clear guidance on legal costs
• Drafting trade mark and design applications to secure broad and effective protection
• Keeping clients informed throughout the application process
• Advising on infringement risks and enforcement strategies for trade mark and design rights
• Assessing whether clients’ business activities may infringe third-party rights

• Collaborating with solicitors, barristers, and overseas legal professionals to protect and enforce UK, EU, and international rights
• Supporting and, where appropriate, leading opposition or infringement proceedings
• Assisting with contentious matters before the UKIPO, the High Court, and the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC)

• Working alongside trade mark, patent, and legal teams in London, as well as our wider UK and European network, to identify business development opportunities
• Participating in industry conferences and client events to build relationships and raise the firm’s profile
• Supporting the growth of existing client relationships through excellent service and commercial insight
• Assisting with the acquisition of new clients with increasing independence as experience grows

• Staying informed of legal and commercial developments in the field of intellectual property
• Studying for and completing the qualifications required to become a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney

About You:

For this role, we really value someone with a passion for brands, an interest in the IP profession, and a desire to commit to qualifying as a Trade Mark Attorney. In addition to holding a 2:1 degree, ideally, you will have completed a course in Intellectual Property at university or be able to demonstrate a clear interest in pursuing a career in the IP field, this might be through your studies, previous work experience, or extracurricular activities. You will also have developed strong written communication skills. Furthermore we are looking for individuals who possess the following competencies:

• An eye for detail and accuracy
• Ability to structure a precise, coherent argument
• A team player who can work collaboratively but also under their own steam
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Confidence, tenacity and persuasiveness
• Commercially minded and able to see the bigger picture for clients
• Ability to develop successful working relationships with a wide variety of people
• Ability to research and collate information
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Readiness to take responsibility
• Readiness to take on board feedback for improvement
• Proactive approach to tasks and problem solving
• Confidence and personal credibility to represent the firm to existing and potential clients
• Motivation to study effectively in own time

As HGF is a European business with a global client base, language skills are valued. Fluency in German, French or Dutch would be beneficial but is not essential.

About HGF

HGF Limited is one of Europe’s largest intellectual property specialist firms and one of only a few to offer a fully integrated IP solution, bringing over 200 Patent Attorneys, Trade Mark Attorneys and IP Solicitors together to provide a full-service IP solution. With 26 offices across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, France, Switzerland & Austria, HGF’s Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys provide specialist technical and legal advice to blue chip organisations and small to medium businesses across the world. Many of our clients are household names and the work HGF does allows them to protect and exploit their inventions, new products and branding.

To Apply:

HGF is committed to promoting an equal, diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all candidates with relevant skills for the role. If the above sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply by sending your CV and a covering letter in a single document outlining why you would like to pursue a career as a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and how your skills fit this role.

Values & Behaviours:

• People – People matter. We treat people fairly, with respect and compassion. We foster a friendly, inclusive and enjoyable culture for everyone to prosper in. We invest in our people and offer appropriate coaching and training to assist with development and learning. We promote a healthy work-life balance. Progression is based on merit.
• Excellence – We strive to be the best. We pursue excellence in all our individual roles resulting in outstanding legal and technical advice for our clients. Our people are pragmatic, responsive and commercially minded. We do not presume but listen to understand so we can engage proactively and appropriately.
• Teamwork – We stand together. We work with our clients to protect their interests, and with each other as a mutually supporting firm. We value, appreciate and listen to others, regardless of role, recognising each individual’s particular blend of talent, skill and experience. We are individually and jointly accountable and take responsibility for our actions and decisions.
• Progressive – We innovate. We continually improve our services and processes through understanding, creativity, and investment. We evolve by taking opportunities and adopting new business procedures, unencumbered by historical structures or out-of-date attitudes. As a firm, we have an entrepreneurial spirit, and encourage new thinking in our people.