The Counsel / Patent Attorney, Intellectual Property (IP) is responsible for supporting one or more technology portfolios within the Waters Advanced Diagnostics division. This role contributes to global patent portfolio development, invention harvesting, patent prosecution activities, and early‑stage IP risk assessments. The role is based out of the company’s Wilmslow, UK, office.The individual collaborates closely with R&D, product management, engineering, and senior IP counsel to support innovation pipelines and ensure development of strong, high‑quality patent rights. Operating with appropriate guidance, the role develops foundational expertise in Waters’ technologies and business strategy while providing timely, practical, and well‑reasoned IP support across assigned portfolios. Key ResponsibilitiesInvention Harvesting & Portfolio SupportPartner with R&D teams to identify inventive concepts across assigned technologies.Conduct inventor interviews, prepare invention disclosure materials, and contribute to portfolio‑building strategies.Patent Drafting & ProsecutionPrepare invention disclosures, manage outside counsel on drafting and prosecution, draft applications and prosecution responses, and ensure high‑quality, timely filings aligned with portfolio strategies.Support global prosecution activities, including responding to office actions, reviewing examiner communications, and preparing prosecution summaries.IP Research & AnalysisConduct prior‑art searches, patent landscape analyses, and competitor monitoring activities.Assist with freedom‑to‑operate assessments and preliminary risk analyses for new products and technologies.Support IP education, training, and awareness efforts across business divisions.Operational & Process SupportMaintain accurate records in IP databases and portfolio management systems.Assist in improving workflows, templates, and processes related to portfolio management and invention harvesting.Prepare IP reporting materials, patent portfolio overviews, and data summaries for internal stakeholders.Leadership ExpectationsCompetenceApplies proficiency in patent drafting, prosecution, and IP analysis.Demonstrates strong technical aptitude and ability to learn Waters’ technologies.Raises questions, identifies potential risks, and contributes ideas to improve processes.CompassionBuilds respectful, collaborative relationships with inventors, colleagues, and legal partners.Contributes positively to a culture of inclusion, accountability, and shared purpose. Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.Leadership AttributesDemonstrates professionalism, accountability, and commitment to high‑quality work.receptive to feedback and coaching.In addition to salary, we work flexibly and provide 25 days holidays, excellent family friendly benefits such as attractive employer pension contribution, life assurance, income protection and private medical. With Waters, there are plenty of opportunities for you to grow, develop and contribute. Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, our innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across chemistry, physics, and biology. We collaborate with customers around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, ensure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combating antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, our passionate team of ~16,000 colleagues turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It benefits our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.
Locations
Legal Counsel - Construction & Property (Permanent) in Cheshire, Wilmslow employer: Waters
Waters Corporation is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment for Field Service Engineers located near Cardiff and the M4 Corridor. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, competitive benefits including a company car, private healthcare, and generous leave policies, Waters fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, ensuring that every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the scientific community.
