Intellectual Property Lawyer

IP Counsel / Patent Attorney – In-House

Based across Hemel Hempstead HQ & London Blackfriars & home

Hybrid Working

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

We're seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Counsel (Patent Attorney In-House) to join our team hybrid based at our Hemel HQ & London Blackfriars sites, where you will play a pivotal role in protecting and maximising the value of our intellectual property assets.

Duties include:

• Counsel and support R&D teams of the Smiths Detection and Smiths Interconnect divisions to protect company’s intellectual property worldwide.
• Conduct comprehensive freedom to operate analyses to assess potential risks and opportunities for new product development.
• Support compliance with legal obligations concerning the use of Open Source Software (“OSS”).
• Monitor competitor intellectual property activity and market trends to inform patent strategy and identify potential licensing opportunities.
• Draft and prosecute patent applications to secure robust intellectual property protection in alignment with business objectives.
• Support compliance with legal obligations concerning the use of Open Source Software (“OSS”).
• Assist with Legal & Business Affairs department projects as required.

Qualifications

• Qualified Patent Attorney with at least 2 years’ post qualification
• Experience in patent filing and prosecution, freedom to operate and IP transactional work.
• Ability to work effectively under time and workload pressure.

Desirable but not essential:

• Degree in electrical and electronics engineering or similar.
• Experience supporting the growth of a digital business including Proof of Concept and SaaS subscription agreements and software licence agreements.
• Knowledge of Legal Tracker billing system and Ipendo IP Management System.

Additional information

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

Diversity & Inclusion:

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (www.smithsdetection.com/careers)

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers – Smiths Group plc)