A career in IP can be a rewarding and interesting vocation and doesn’t require a law degree as an entry requirement. In fact, as Cloe Loo, Albright IP Patent Attorney explains Patent attorneys come into the profession with a technical or science-based degree…
How did you get into IP?
After finishing my BSc degree in Biology, I took a job as a project manager in a market research company. I’d been there a few years and really wanted a change and a challenge. My sister was an IP solicitor in Hong Kong and when we talked about her work, I was attracted to the idea of a profession which requires you to be analytical and inquisitive, and where I could use more of the analytical skills I’d learned at university. She encouraged me to find out more.
I did some research into the patent profession and started looking for trainee patent attorney positions where there was also opportunity for structured professional development. When Albright IP offered me a position, I jumped at the chance.
I was surprised to discover that you didn’t need law qualifications to enter the profession, and that in fact, having a scientific background is a prerequisite.
What was your route to qualification?
I took the traditional route of taking a series of foundation and advanced exams for the UK patent attorney qualification over three years, as well as separate exams for the European patent attorney qualification, again over three years. There were 14 exams in total!
It wasn’t all about exams. I learned an amazing amount on the job, and this was supplemented with studying after work and going on revision courses before the exams. It was hard work, of course, but I found it so much more practical to be able to learn on the job rather than simply studying for the exams. I think it equipped me in a much better way.
What advice would you give to anyone considering starting out in a career in IP?
There are different strands to IP. I’d encourage anyone to research and see if there’s a particular area of IP that interests you. Talk to someone in the profession to get an insight into their work to see if it is for you. Try to get some work experience related to IP to find out more and get a head start.
How would you describe the day-to-to job and what it involves?
I typically start my day working through emails that arrived in my inbox overnight from clients in Asia and in North America. There may be instructions for dealing with an on-going patent application or filing a new patent application, or issue which clients would like my advice on.
I will then go through my work list to see what deadlines are coming up and what I should prioritise for the day. Deadlines are crucial in our line of work. Missing one can be costly for all concerned!
The rest of my day typically involves a mixture of analysis work, speaking with new and existing clients regarding patent applications or IP issues, preparing patent specifications for a new patent applications, and discussing cases with other members of the Albright team and third-party colleagues.
It could involve working on an exam report for an on-going application. This means analysing the patent specification of the application, the exam report and associated documents, determining how best to address the objections, and preparing a response to the report.
I’ll probably talk to existing and new clients to see how we can assist them. It’s always interesting hearing about their new ideas or their IP situation and it is very satisfying when you know the clients go away feeling they have been guided through options and given useful advice to think about.
I am currently working on a contentious matter so I may spend some time on this if something new has happened, such as fresh correspondence, or attending to something at the Court. This may be on the phone with the client and our legal team to discuss strategies, or reviewing submissions or correspondence the legal team has prepared.
Albright IP are very hot on supporting and bringing on new talent, so I will also spend some time with trainees in the team. This may take the form of bouncing ideas around some work they are currently doing, such as discussing the direction to take in an exam response or drafting of a patent specification for a new patent application. We’ll also take time to review any work they have done, taking them through a scenario to cover a point of law.
What skills would you say anyone wanting to work in IP should possess?
A desire to learn, be inquisitive, pay attention to details, someone that loves to problem solve and to use their analytical skills. A significant portion of our work involves communicating our thoughts to others, so having effective communication skills, and being able to put yourself in the clients’ shoes, are both important. It is a very rewarding career if you are prepared to work hard and persevere.
As the law is always changing, along with technology, there’s always something new to learn!
Is the best route to join an IP company straight after graduating – or are there alternatives?
I am a good example of joining the world of IP from another profession, so there certainly are alternative routes into the sector. Whether you join direct from university or have already been out in the world of work, I’d say getting some exposure or experience in IP would be very helpful. This could be summer holiday work experience with an IP or law firm or a role related to IP in the existing company you are working for.
Is there a particular sort of person who is drawn to a career in IP?
From a patent attorney’s point of view, it will likely be someone who likes problem solving, is technical, analytical and is detail-orientated.
What do you like best about your job?
I love the fact that no two days are the same, and no two cases are the same, which keeps the role interesting. Working with the brains behind inventions is fascinating and rewarding, and working with clients based overseas is also very enjoyable. IP rights have the potential of bringing all sorts of commercial opportunities for their owners and it’s hugely satisfying when you help your clients on this journey of progress and achievements.
What would you say to people considering joining Albright IP?
Go for it! You will get exposure to a large variety of work and clients early on and throughout your career. We have a very nurturing culture here at Albright IP. It’s professional and friendly, and everyone is very approachable, from trainees to directors. I had excellent training and I also enjoy a good amount of freedom in developing my practice post qualification.
If you have any patent, design or trade mark queries, please contact us via email, by telephone: +44 (0) 1242 691 801, or using the form below and we will be happy to advise and guide you.
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