What was the application process like – any advice?

I found the job listing on IP careers, and applied to the company through the website. I sent my CV and cover letter to the company through the company website. Within a couple of weeks, I was contacted back, and I was asked if I could attend an in-person test and interview. On the day I was presented with a test that needed to be completed within an hour. The test consisted of several questions that cover different skills needed in the job. Some of the questions were related to my knowledge of telecommunications and electronics, whilst other questions were directed to more general concepts. The aim of the test appeared to be to see how knowledgeable you were in the field you applied for (i.e. I applied for telecommunications, so most of my questions were based around telecommunications), but also how you could explain a concept or an item in an easy and understandable way. After the test, I was then interviewed by a partner (who would go on to be my supervisor). The first part of the interview revolved around my answers to the test. We talked through some of the answers I had given, and the discussion went more into depth into each of their respective fields. The next part of the interview was spent discussing me. Topics that were discussed were what I studied at university and why I wanted to be a patent attorney. The interview was very relaxed (as far as interviews go!), and it felt more like a friendly chat. It also helped that the interview was held in person rather than online, as it allowed me to see the office and actually meet the people I would be working with. If I was to give any advice, it would be to be to relax and be yourself, but just make sure you know information and theory about the field you are applying to.

Explain why you decided to pursue a career in this profession

I first came across patents in my final year of university. After reading into it a bit more, I came across the role of a patent attorney. I figured out that I wanted to pursue a career in this profession when I found out how this job was more theory heavy, and maths was not really required. At University I studies a lot of different modules, with some of them being maths heavy, and some being theory heavy. After writing lab reports and doing written courseworks, I knew that I enjoyed the theory side of the course more than the maths part. This profession allowed me to continuously apply the theory that I learnt, whilst continuously learning about what is being developed and how it is being applied in the real world. I thoroughly enjoy seeing how inventors are continuously innovating, and how these inventions may be impacting our day to day lives. Another reason why I was drawn to this profession is the working environment. This profession has given me the opportunity to spend a lot of time working by myself whilst also allowing me to work with different colleagues and teams. I get the best of both worlds – time to work by yourself and time to be work with my team.

A day in the life

My day usually starts of with the joy of checking emails! As boring as it may be, the content of the emails may shape the day ahead. After I am up to date with all my emails, I will check my docket to see what cases I need to work on. When I first work on a case, it will start with a lot of reading. I have to read the Examiner’s report, and then the description of the patent, and then any other prior art (other patents or documents) cited by the Examiner. Whilst I read through the documents, I make notes and a plan on how I am going to respond to the Examiner’s objections. An Examiner may object to your application, as they may believe that the invention is not novel or inventive over another invention. After I have a plan set out, I will write a response to the Examiner in an attempt to overcome their objections. This is what takes up the main part of my days. I will sometimes have meetings with inventors in clients. This is mostly done over Teams, but there are opportunities to meet them in person which is always nice! In these meetings we may discuss upcoming inventions and plans, or we may talk about work we have prepared for them and what adjustments are needed. As a trainee, I spent part of my time with my supervisor going through the work I have prepared, and discussing what changes need to be made going forward. It can be quite intensive at times, but for the most part it can be relaxed…given I am on top of my deadlines!