Background

Before joining Abel + Imray, I spent four years at Durham University studying Biosciences, where I graduated with a first class master’s degree in 2024. Given my background in science, people often tend to ask why I opted for trade marks over patents, and to answer simply, trade marks just felt like the right fit from the start, with the kind of work I find genuinely exciting. Where else can you find yourself working on matters you might spot anywhere from supermarket shelves to the evening news? Whether it’s lookalike packaging or viral rebrands, trade marks are part of our everyday conversations, and I love being involved in that world.

Why did you choose a job in this profession?

As my time at university progressed, I began to realise that lab work might not be for me, but it wasn’t until my third year that things started to fall into place. That year, I took a module called Biological Enterprise, where we were tasked with creating a hypothetical biotechnology spin-off company, and I assumed the role of ‘Chief Legal Officer’. I spent my time researching existing patents and trade marks and advising the team on how to protect our brand and inventions. The project gave me my first real taste of intellectual property and introduced me to a field I genuinely enjoyed, where law, innovation, and business intersect. I knew then that it was something I wanted to explore further.

What attracted you to your role?

Following my introduction to the field, I managed to secure a summer internship with a local firm of trade mark attorneys, and I loved the work. For me, the role felt like the perfect blend of legal thinking, creativity, and commercial insight. So, whilst I enjoyed science, I loved the idea of helping businesses shape and protect their brand. There’s something especially rewarding about seeing a trade mark you worked on out in the real world, and that science background still comes in handy when working with pharmaceutical clients!

What are your main duties?

One of the things I enjoy most about the job is how varied the work is from day to day. Some of my key responsibilities include:

• Conducting clearance searches to check whether a name is available for use and registration
• Advising on filing strategy, and preparing and filing trade mark applications
• Assisting with trade mark oppositions, including drafting written arguments and preparing evidence and submissions
• Advising on infringement matters
• Reviewing and drafting coexistence agreements to help resolve conflicts between parties
• Liaising with foreign attorneys to coordinate overseas filings and defend or enforce international trade mark rights

Each working day is different. One morning I might be conducting a clearance search for a new wine brand, and by the afternoon, I’m advising on an opposition for a pharmaceutical client.

What skills are useful for a trade mark attorney?

Strong written and verbal communication skills, high attention to detail, and commercial awareness are essential. It also helps to be able to see things from a client’s perspective; understanding their goals, priorities, and how their brand identity contributes to their wider commercial strategy is key to providing helpful, practical advice.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to enter the profession?

Don’t think that you need a law degree or any particular background to enter the profession. It’s more diverse than people realise, and you should not be expected to know any trade mark law when applying for roles.

Work experience can be hard to come by, so don’t worry if you haven’t managed to do any. Instead, try to gain exposure to IP in other ways, whether that be through careers events, webinars, reading around the subject, or simply by reaching out to people already working in the field. From my experience, it’s a small but friendly profession, so most people will be happy to chat and share their experience!