Intellectual Property Attorney - UKIFS Ltd., West Burton
STEP is a bold and ambitious programme focused on developing pioneering new technologies to achieve its goals. We are generating significant intellectual property to inspire and enable the fusion industry, strengthening the UKs leadership in this field.
As the programme advances and our plant partners join, you will be responsible for leading various intellectual property matters related to one of the STEP technology streams.
Your role involves identifying, protecting, and managing IP generated by the technology stream, conducting landscape and risk analyses, and advising technical teams on IP issues.
Key Accountabilities
Client Counselling
* Advise technologists and engineers on IP matters.
* Ensure IP decisions align with the IP strategy to optimize programme outcomes.
* Develop collaborative relationships with technical and engineering teams.
* Serve as the primary contact for the specific technology stream.
Identifying & Protecting Innovation
* Support project teams in identifying protectable IP.
* Advise on protection options aligned with the IP strategy.
* Assist in capturing IP and maintaining records in the IP register.
* Assess patentability of inventions.
* Draft and prosecute patent applications or coordinate with external counsel.
* Identify commercialization opportunities and collaborate with the technology transfer team.
* Produce reports on IP portfolio growth, value, and commercialization prospects.
Landscape & Risk Analysis and Management
* Conduct landscape and freedom-to-operate searches, engaging external experts if needed.
* Review and interpret search results, communicating relevance to the team.
* Identify IP risks, analyze impacts, and develop management strategies.
* Communicate risks and strategies to stakeholders.
IP Portfolio Management
* Develop annual IP management processes with KPIs.
* Manage the IP budget for the technology stream.
* Align the IP portfolio with overall strategies to support programme goals.
IP Training
* Create and deliver IP training tailored for different experience levels.
* Respond to additional training needs.
* Maintain the IP training register.
The above list is not exhaustive; additional tasks may be assigned as needed.
Qualifications
Essential
* Patent Attorney qualification in the UK and/or Europe with PQE.
* Proven experience advising clients and managing IP matters.
* Experience in invention identification, prior art review, and assessment.
* Extensive patent drafting and prosecution experience.
* Experience managing an IP portfolio in line with strategic goals and controlling costs.
* Ability to work effectively in a matrix and project-based environment, managing multiple projects.
* Strong stakeholder relationship skills across technical and executive levels.
* Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
* Effective communication, prioritization, and attention to detail.
* Technical degree in a scientific or engineering discipline.
Desirable
* Industry experience in managing IP matters.
* Experience in IP risk assessment and freedom-to-operate analysis.
* High-quality prior art, landscape, and freedom-to-operate searching skills.
Additional Information
Full benefits details are available at https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/.
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including women in STEM, ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and neurodiverse individuals. Our leadership actively promotes inclusion and diversity, ensuring equitable recruitment and retention practices.
Note: Vacancies are typically advertised for four weeks but may close earlier if filled.
For international applicants or those who have recently resided outside the UK, please review the criminal records check information at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants. If your country is not listed, we cannot process your application.
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