Amy, Patent Attorney at Marks & Clerk, shares their experience since joining the firm.
University and background
Whilst studying General Engineering (Mechanical) at University, I wasn’t quite sure what career path I wanted to follow after completing my degree. I knew that I wanted a job with a scientific focus and a friend mentioned that a career as a Patent Attorney might interest me. After researching what the job involved, I thought that this could be a career which suits me as it combines scientific, legal and linguistic skills.
I was lucky to spend the third year of my degree studying in Australia, where I was able to attend introductory lectures on IP and I was fortunate to speak to a number of practising Attorneys. Following this, I undertook two summer internships: one at a patent firm and another at an accountancy firm. Whilst I enjoyed them both, there was one which I enjoyed more (no guesses as to which this was).
Joining Marks & Clerk
During my final year of university, I applied for a trainee position at Marks & Clerk and I started in the Manchester mechanical engineering team in September 2018. My role as trainee involves working with partners and associates for a variety of clients, including large multinational corporations, SMEs and local engineering firms. I primarily work on mechanical technologies, ranging from internal combustion engines and food processing machines, to power tools and oil and gas drilling technologies. My work involves drafting and prosecuting patent applications, managing client portfolios and providing infringement and validity opinions (don’t worry – I didn’t understand all of these terms when I first started, but you pick it up quickly).
As a trainee patent attorney, alongside the job you work towards becoming a qualified European patent attorney and a Chartered UK patent attorney. Both qualifications involve taking a number of exams. As a trainee, a lot of focus does go towards training for the exams. Fortunately, a lot of the training is on-the-job, although when it does get closer to the exams, you will need to do additional revision generally outside of working hours. Marks & Clerk provide many resources for training for the exams and are extremely supportive. Training for the UK and European exams at Marks & Clerk falls under the umbrella of the training academy. The training academy is a unique programme that Marks & Clerk offer, it comprises online lectures, Away Days, exam technique sessions, and a range of internal and external courses (in the UK and abroad!).
Considering applying?
Before applying for role as a trainee patent attorney, I recommend researching what the job involves. I have included some links to websites below, which I found helpful when applying.
Think about why you want to work for a particular firm. Patent firms can vary vastly in size, Marks & Clerk is one of the largest in the UK, and this comes, in my view, with lots of benefits for a trainee such as great training, peer support, and the ability to work for a range of clients in different technologies.
Exams are a big part of the job as a trainee. Consider if you are ready to commit to another 3+ years of studying for exams. The patent exams are difficult, especially when having to study alongside working.
Do not worry if you don’t have any patent experience. Internships at patent attorney firms are far and few between, the majority of people I work with work did not have any patent experience prior to joining.
Interested in learning more about Marks & Clerk's opportunities? Check out their profile here.