Associate - IP Disputes

OverviewWe are seeking a 3-year PQE Associate to join our Bristol Intellectual Property team, supporting all aspects of contentious and non-contentious intellectual property, with a particular emphasis on patent and trade mark litigation across sectors including financial services, life sciences, software and electronics. Location: Bristol, United Kingdom.Department: Commercial and TechnologyNote: This description reflects the role of an Associate - IP Disputes at DAC Beachcroft in Bristol.ResponsibilitiesSupport the management of contentious IP matters, including patent disputes, trade mark infringement claims, trade mark oppositions and copyright infringement claims.Draft and assist with pleadings, evidence, correspondence and litigation process management in High Court and IPEC matters.Work closely with senior team members on patent litigation strategy, including liaising with counsel and technical experts and reviewing scientific or engineering evidence.Handle pre-action correspondence, assist with settlement discussions and explore alternative dispute resolution options.Draft commercial IP agreements, negotiate licensing deals, support on the intellectual property aspects of corporate transactions.Provide clear, commercially-focused advice to clients on enforcement, protection strategies, risk mitigation and dispute resolution.Develop relationships with clients, demonstrating professionalism, responsiveness, and the ability to handle day-to-day queries.Participate in business development, including article writing, preparing client updates, delivering training and engaging with Bristol’s innovation ecosystem.Work collaboratively with the wider IP, commercial, corporate and technology teams to support multi-disciplinary matters.Continue to build your technical IP knowledge, including developments in patent law, life sciences/engineering technologies and case law.Handle confidential client and technical information in accordance with strict security protocols.Skills, Knowledge and ExpertiseAround 3 years PQE in contentious intellectual property, ideally with a degree in a relevant science or engineering subject. Patent litigation experience is preferred, but not essential if you have the aptitude to develop.A genuine interest in technology, science or engineering, and the ability to confidently engage with technical subject matter.Experience supporting High Court or IPEC litigation.Strong legal and technical research, drafting and analytical skills, with the maturity to take ownership of tasks under supervision.Demonstrated ability to build client relationships, communicate clearly and adapt to different levels of technical understanding.A proactive and organised approach, with good matter management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.A team player who contributes positively, shares knowledge and supports colleagues.Qualified solicitor in England and Wales.Working arrangementsWe are happy to talk flexible working with our Flex Forward scheme. We would encourage you to talk to us about our approach to flexible working during the hiring process.Note for Recruitment AgenciesDAC Beachcroft manages all vacancies via our in-house recruitment teams, prioritising direct sourcing and referrals. When external support is required, roles are released to selected agencies on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). Speculative CVs sent to any DAC Beachcroft employee without prior instruction from our recruitment teams will not be accepted, and no fees will be payable. For PSL queries, please contact: recruitment@dacbeachcroft.com or csgrecruitment@dacbeachcroft.comSeniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionLegalIndustriesLaw Practice #J-18808-Ljbffr