At a Glance
- Tasks: Make impactful legal decisions on trade mark disputes in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join the Intellectual Property Office, a leader in intellectual property law.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of intellectual property while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Law degree or relevant experience in intellectual property required.
The predicted salary is between 49319 - 49319 £ per year.
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 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
- 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.
All applications will be assessed consistently against the published criteria for the role.
Behaviours
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
- Knowledge of inter partes trade mark law and practice.
Benefits
- Salary of £49,319 with an additional contribution towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
- A flexible working scheme with excellent development opportunities.
- 25 days annual leave moving to 30 days in annual increments over 5 years of reckonable service.
- Family friendly policies that support modern working families and individuals with caring responsibilities.
- A variety of support functions; Staff Counselling Service, Peer to Peer Support Group.
- Eligibility for special and office-wide bonus payments.
- A range of wellbeing initiatives; Onsite Gym (Newport office), Eye Care Scheme, Volunteering Programme, Cycling facilities.
- Free car parking is available on site at our Newport office.
Please note that benefits may be subject to change.
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.
For further information on the sift and interview stages of this recruitment campaign, please head to our 'Things you need to know' section.
Hearing Officer & Senior Hearing Officer (Tribunal) - Newport in Godshill employer: Intellectual Property Office
As a Senior Dynamics Developer at our modern organisation, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and continuous improvement. We offer exceptional employee growth opportunities, including access to the latest technologies and methodologies, all while being part of a supportive team dedicated to delivering top-notch IT services. Located in a vibrant area, our company fosters a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
Intellectual Property Office Recruitment Team
