IP Counsel in Yarnton

This is an exciting time to join Oxford PV as we continue to build on our foundations as a spin‑out from the University of Oxford and scale the commercialisation of our groundbreaking technology in the renewable energy sector.

To support this evolution, we are looking for an IP Counsel to join our in‑house IP team, reporting to the Head of IP.

In this role, you will work closely with the Head of IP to support the commercialisation of the Oxford PV IP portfolio.

Experience advising on infringement, validity and/or freedom‑to‑operate would therefore be valuable, and prior exposure to IP‑related litigation would be an advantage.

You will also work closely with the in‑house IP Manager to support our R&D teams, capture new IP and grow the portfolio across patents, trade secrets and designs, while coordinating with external advisers on filing, prosecution and portfolio management.

This role offers a unique opportunity to join a pioneering technology business at an important stage in its development, where the strategic use of IP is at the core of the business model.

The role is based in our Oxfordshire office, with hybrid working available (three days onsite and two days remote each week, with an expectation of at least four days onsite during the first three to six months).

What will you be doing?

• Supporting invention disclosure and reviewing processes by assessing technical submissions, identifying protectable subject matter and helping prioritise filing opportunities in line with Oxford PV’s technology roadmap and commercial strategy.
• Leading patent filing and prosecution activities across key jurisdictions, including drafting input, review of outside counsel work product, prosecution strategy and coordination of international filing programmes.
• Supporting the identification, documentation and governance of trade secrets and confidential know‑how.
• Providing support on IP assertion, enforcement and defence matters.
• Supporting IP aspects of strategic commercial activity, including licensing discussions, partner engagement, due diligence and the evaluation of IP‑related business opportunities and risks.
• Contributing to freedom‑to‑operate reviews and broader IP risk mitigation activities, including prior art and third‑party rights analysis.
• Assisting with the preparation and management of trademark and registered design filings, renewals and portfolio maintenance where relevant.
• Managing day‑to‑day administration of Oxford PV’s IP portfolio, including deadline management, coordination with external counsel, maintenance of IP records and systems, and general portfolio housekeeping.
• Working collaboratively with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, legal, commercial and senior stakeholders to promote IP awareness, strengthen internal processes and embed good IP practice across Oxford PV’s business.

What will you need to succeed in the role?

Essential skills

• Fully qualified European Patent Attorney, preferably with at least 2–3 years’ post‑qualification experience in private practice or in‑house, ideally in a technology‑rich or manufacturing‑led business.
• Strong technical background in materials science, chemistry, or physics.
• Demonstrable experience in patent drafting and prosecution, including management of international filing programmes across key jurisdictions such as Europe, the US, China, Japan and Korea.
• Working knowledge of infringement, validity and/or freedom‑to‑operate analysis, with prior exposure to oppositions, disputes, or litigation matters being beneficial.
• Good understanding of trade secret identification, protection and governance, particularly in R&D, process development and manufacturing settings where confidential know‑how is business critical.
• High‑level understanding of trade marks and registered designs, with willingness to manage a small portfolio of these rights where required.
• Proactive and pragmatic, with sound judgement and a solution‑oriented approach.
• Able to work independently while knowing when to escalat e issues appropriately.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic, innovation‑driven environment where priorities evolve as technology moves from development to commercial scale.
• Collaborative and credible, with the confidence to engage constructively with inventors, technical experts, business leaders and external advisers.
• Motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the commercialisation of transformative clean energy technology and to support Oxford PV’s mission of making perovskite PV mainstream.
• Fluent in German, both written and verbal.
• Experience in photovoltaics, optoelectronics, semiconductor devices and/or perovskite materials would be highly advantageous.

What will we offer you in return?

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Benefit package according to location
• A fast‑paced work environment in a growing international company
• A chance to make a difference by joining our employee committees built around our values
• The opportunity to experience and support many parts of the business.

Oxford PV is an equal opportunity employer and expressly welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of gender, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

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