About this role
As an IP Paralegal, you will be responsible for providing support to the Firm's IP practice. You will be working on high volumes of IP prosecution, maintenance, and IP transactional work in a deadline driven environment.
You will be working on the rapidly developing IP portfolios of household names that have worldwide coverage and, as such, will need to have a global mindset with the ability to pick up knowledge regarding different requirements throughout the world. The role involves working with a range of people of varying levels across the world. The successful applicant will need to have the confidence and ability to coordinate effectively with technology teams, paralegals, lawyers and partners across different cultures and teams, and to be able to drive matters forward with local counsel or our internal / external client. As such, the successful candidate will be providing key support to a range of more senior professionals, each of whom will need to be able to place reliance on the work performed.
Main responsibilities:
Technical:
- Handling technical trade mark formalities globally, including all pre-registration, prosecution, maintenance, renewal, and post-registration steps. This involves managing complex operational or technical issues and seeking guidance when required.
- Preparation of client emails, without supervision, reporting on the various stages of the trade mark registration process.
- Supporting global IP M&A matters, including the recordal of assignments, licenses, security interests, and changes of name and address at local registries. This includes drafting legal documents, liaising with local counsel, producing schedules, communicating with internal stakeholders, and arranging for the execution of documents.
- Conducting comprehensive IP asset due diligence using official trade mark, patent, copyright, and design online registries, as well as other screening platforms, to audit data from local associates, commercial databases, and other parties with limited supervision.
- Supporting global anti-counterfeiting programs. This includes drafting product guides, handling seizure notifications, handling and coordinating AFA filings, and liaising with infringers.
- Conducting trade mark availability screening searches using various external platforms and drafting high quality search reports with limited supervision.
- Performing trade mark watching services using various external platforms and reporting the same to clients with limited supervision.
- Developing legal knowledge and expertise to provide the highest levels of support to Firm lawyers and clients
Services and process standards:
- Liaising with IPSU and Global teams to understand and follow correct procedures. Effectively implementing and maintaining established processes.
- Meeting agreed service delivery standards and providing accurate, high-quality service while managing your workload and deadlines.
- Assist with docket and deadline management and other trade mark related tasks as required from time to time.
- Proactively informing your manager and colleagues in advance if deadlines and workload cannot be met.
- Understanding and complying with all the Firm’s procedures and standards.
Skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:
- A degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Law, or a related field.
- An intrinsic passion for Intellectual Property and a keenness to develop specialist IP knowledge and skills.
Desirable Criteria:
- Some patent preparation and prosecution experience is preferred though not required.
Personal Qualities:
- Have a high degree of personal responsibility and conscientiousness for the matters / tasks you are handling.
- Always providing proactive service, encompassing all key tasks without requiring prompting, and thinking ahead to anticipate the department’s needs.
- Being helpful and supportive in team and client interactions and being regarded as a team player.
- Being aware of others’ workloads and offering to help when they are under pressure.
- Seeking feedback on performance regularly to enhance your development.
- Responding appropriately and promptly to feedback received and taking necessary action to implement it.
Reports to: Manager, IP Professional Services Group in Belfast Centre
Position Type: Centre Services
Development Framework : Other Legal Staff
Baker McKenzie empowers clients to compete in the global economy. We provide comprehensive and practical legal advice that cuts through complexity with clear, actionable guidance. Our people represent diverse cultures and jurisdictions, combining local know-how with international expertise to ensure your business thrives across borders .
Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.
No agencies please - Please note Baker McKenzie does not accept unsolicited CVs. Please click here for details of our Agency Policy and commitment to sourcing directly.
For more information about this position or to discuss any adjustments you may require during the process, please contact in confidence, Callum-Caolán Burns, Recruitment Specialist at [email protected]