Trainee Patent Attorney

Company Description

Secerna is a globally operating firm of Chartered Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, as well as European Patent Attorneys, renowned for its expertise in intellectual property. The firm serves a diverse client base, including multinational corporations, FTSE and NYSE-listed companies, universities, spin-outs, small businesses, and innovators. Secerna's team has deep sector experience and works directly with major intellectual property offices such as the UKIPO, EPO, and WIPO. Their services focus on maximizing the value of clients' intellectual property, mitigating risks, and ensuring effective protection strategies. Recognized by IAM 1000 as a recommended firm, Secerna is dedicated to achieving excellence in patent, trademark, and design matters.

We are seeking a talented and ambitious Trainee Patent Attorney to join our thriving physics and engineering team in our
York office
. This is an exceptional opportunity for a recent graduate or post-graduate to launch their career in intellectual property, working on cutting-edge technologies.

Role Highlights:

• Comprehensive Training: Work closely with experienced Partners and Senior Attorneys, receiving mentorship and guidance in all aspects of patent law.
• Diverse Experience: Gain exposure to a broad range of matters, including original patent drafting, prosecution, contentious proceedings, and advisory work.
• Technical Focus: Develop expertise in relevant technologies such as advanced engineering, semiconductor devices, circuitry, mobile telecoms, software/AI, and quantum computing, contributing to the firm's expertise in these areas.
• Collaborative Environment: Contribute to a supportive and collaborative team environment, fostering your professional growth.
• Career Foundation: Build a solid foundation for a successful career in patent law with excellent opportunities for progression.
• Competitive salary + benefits
• 26 days annual leave (not including bank holidays) and additional study leave days

Responsibilities:

• Assisting in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications.
• Conducting patent searches and providing preliminary analysis.
• Supporting Partners and Senior Attorneys in contentious and advisory matters.
• Managing administrative tasks related to patent applications.
• Developing a strong understanding of patent law and procedures.
• Engaging in continuous learning and professional development.

Candidate Profile:

• Recent graduate or post-graduate with a first or upper second-class honours degree in Electronic or Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science.
• A keen interest in relevant technologies, including semiconductor devices, circuitry, mobile telecoms, software/AI, and quantum computing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• A proactive and enthusiastic approach to learning.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Start Date:

TBC

To Apply:

If you are a driven and ambitious recent graduate or post-graduate seeking to launch your career in patent law, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications to

We review applications as they are received, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The position will remain open until filled.

• Secerna LLP is an equal opportunities employer.