Trade Mark Attorney
Job Description:Trade mark attorneys advise clients about registering and protecting designs and trade marks.
Job Category:What you will do:
In this role you could:
- carry out searches to see if a proposed trademark already exists
- advise on intellectual property issues like design and copyright
- draw up contracts
- deal with your countries and overseas registration authorities
- negotiate in disputes and take action if the client’s trademark rights are breached
- provide support to solicitors and barristers if a case goes to court
- handle renewals of existing trademarks, transfer of ownership and licensing
Skills:
You’ll need:
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
As well as:
- persuading skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- active listening skills
- creative skills
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent written communication skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- organisational skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Trade Mark Attorney, you typically need a strong educational background, including specific subjects. Here’s a list of subjects and other qualifications that can be beneficial for pursuing a career in this field:
- English Language: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for drafting legal documents, communicating with clients, and presenting arguments.
- Mathematics: A good understanding of mathematics can be helpful for tasks related to financial aspects of trademark law and intellectual property.
- Science (e.g., Chemistry, Biology): While not a strict requirement, a science subject can be advantageous if you’re dealing with trademark applications related to scientific or technical fields.
- Law (if available): If your school offers a law-related, this can provide a good introduction to legal concepts and terminology.
- Business Studies or Economics: These subjects can be useful for understanding commercial aspects of intellectual property law, including trademark registration, licensing, and infringement.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Basic computer skills are essential for research, document drafting, and communication in a legal context.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You’ll usually need an upper second-class degree or higher, or postgraduate qualification, to apply for a training place with a company.
Most subjects are acceptable, though you may have an advantage with:
- law
- science
- engineering
- languages
After university, you would start as a trainee with a private practice of trademark attorneys, or a large company with an in-house intellectual property department. You would study for professional exams. You’ll also need 2 years’ work experience to qualify.
Work
You may be able to work your way up from a trademark administrator or paralegal role.
To do this, you’ll need a good level of general education including subjects such as English and maths.
You’ll also need around 5 years’ experience before you can apply for professional training to qualify as a trademark attorney.
Direct Application
You can apply for professional training with a firm to become a trademark attorney, if you’re a qualified solicitor or barrister.
Working Hours and Environment:
Your typical woking hours could be variable.
You could work in an office, at a client’s business or in a court.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could move into senior management or partnership in a trade mark firm.