Hearing Officer & Senior Hearing Officer (Tribunal) - Newport in Downton

The Intellectual Property Office ('IPO') Challenge Team consists of approximately 140 colleagues, and handles disputes involving trade marks, registered designs, patents, and company names. Over 90% of our work relates to contested trade mark applications or registrations. The post holder will become part of a 40+ person team of hearing officers responsible for making legally sound decisions, covering both procedural and substantive matters.

This role will be carried out in-line with IPO Hybrid working arrangements where staff are currently expected to spend at least 20% of their time working onsite from one of our offices. This role is based in our Newport Office. The requirement for attendance at an office location can vary by role so we would encourage candidates to discuss working arrangements with the recruiting manager to agree a reasonable balance between working from home and the office.

We are seeking to recruit hearing officers at both the lower C1 and higher C2 grades. Whilst the core responsibilities at both grades are similar, casework and broader responsibilities are triaged and allocated according to legal complexity.

• C1 Hearing Officer
  • Writing and issuing trade mark opposition and cancellation decisions via application of the Trade Marks Act 1994 and relevant case law.
  • Assessing evidence submitted by the parties e.g. as part of considering 'proof of use' provisions.
  • Considering procedural matters and drafting/issuing related procedural decisions.
  • Conducting case management conferences to ensure cases are dealt with fairly and expeditiously.
  • Staying informed of case law developments, and sharing views with colleagues.
• C2 Senior Hearing Officer
  • Writing and issuing trade mark opposition, cancellation and rectification decisions via application of the Trade Marks Act 1994 and relevant case law.
  • Writing and issuing decisions relating to registered designs and company names.
  • Conducting main hearings with trade mark attorneys, barristers, solicitors, and/or private litigants.
  • Considering higher-complexity procedural matters and drafting/issuing related procedural decisions.
  • Conducting case management conferences to ensure cases are dealt with fairly and expeditiously.
  • Staying informed of case law developments, sharing views with colleagues, and leading on training and practice activities.

For hearing officers occupying the lower C1 band, the role provides a non-competitive progression route for moving into the higher C2 band. Progression typically takes around two to four years depending on performance, experience and suitability.

Qualifications and/or relevant experience

Applicants must be able to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• Law degree at grade 2:1 or higher.
• Recognised legal/intellectual property qualification such as solicitor, barrister, trade mark attorney, Master of Laws.
• Substantial and demonstrable experience of working within the intellectual property sector.

Where candidates do not hold formal legal qualifications and are instead relying upon experience, they must clearly evidence a strong understanding of intellectual property law and practice, and the practical application of this knowledge in a professional or operational context.

In addition to the requirements set out above, applicants seeking to be recruited at the higher C2 grade must be able to demonstrate long-standing and proven experience in a highly relevant area of legal practice. Ideally, such candidates will possess at least three years' experience of working on inter partes trade mark proceedings, preferably with experience of acting before the IPO Tribunal.

How to Apply

Click the 'Apply now' button and complete the application form by providing a 750-word Personal Statement explaining why you're suitable for the role. Structure your statement around the criteria provided.

Alongside your salary of 49,319, the Intellectual Property Office contributes 14,287 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Benefits include a flexible working scheme, 25 days annual leave moving to 30 days, family friendly policies, and various support functions.

Please note that benefits may be subject to change.