Patent Paralegal (4 days a week) in Norwich

Novagraaf is an international IP consultancy firm and part of the Questel group. As patent, trademark, design and domain name specialists, we assist clients with all their IP strategy, legal and management needs. Our expertise includes advising on new ideas, discoveries and inventions, protecting new brands (trademarks) and innovative products (design), and creating and exploiting strong trademark, design and patent portfolios.

We are looking for our future Patent Paralegal to join our team. This role can be fully remote within the UK or hybrid/office-based in Norwich or London. Permanent, part-time (4 days a week).

Key Responsibilities, From Filing To Grant:

• Monitoring mailboxes and processing incoming correspondence, updating records system in respect of deadlines.
• Monitoring critical fee earner due dates and formalities deadlines.
• Preparing and filing official forms via Online filing 2.0, One IPO and ePCT portal.
• Handling EP grant formalities, obtaining translations and preparing responses for filing; preparing validation estimates; liaising with our validations team to file EP validations and Unitary Patents and obtaining signed POA’s where required.
• Communicating with clients, preparing template letters, sending reminders and invoicing in respect of action taken.
• Liaising with foreign associates.
• Preparation of patent portfolio schedules on request.
• Some design and utility model formalities work.
• Processing refunds, assisting with accounts related queries and liaising with our finance team to approve invoices.
• Updating process documents and additional ad-hoc tasks where necessary.
• Answering telephone calls/dealing with enquiries and forwarding messages to the appropriate person.

We Are Seeking Someone With:

• Minimum 2 years of patent paralegal experience.
• CIPA qualification (strongly preferred).

You Will Be:

• Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple deadlines and a varying workload.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in document preparation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive approach to your work.
• Ambitious for increased responsibility and progression.
• Flexible attitude to work.

In addition, it is expected that the candidate will meet the foundational proficiency level of Novagraaf’s Core Competency requirements: customer connectedness, results-oriented, business/commercial awareness, flexibility and resilience.

What we offer:

• Part-time (4 days a week) - permanent contract.
• A role at the heart of a prestigious European law firm.
• An inclusive culture and continuous learning environment with career advancement opportunities.
• Hybrid working between our office (in Norwich or in London), or the opportunity to work fully remotely within the UK.
• International team: Offices in the EMEA, USA and APAC.
• A wide range of tasks that will allow you to learn and develop your career!

Driven by values of entrepreneurship, respect and integrity, Questel is committed to growth and social responsibility. We foster an inclusive, equitable workplace where all feel respected and empowered, regardless of background. Questel is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all qualified applicants without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability or other protected factors.