What is intellectual property?
Why work in ideas?
What careers are there in ideas?
Getting a career in ideas
A career for anyone
Ideas people
We all have ideas. And sometimes people will pay you for them.
Intellectual property – or ‘IP’ – is anything that might be worth something, but where the valuable bit is more of an idea than a physical object. See our jargon buster.
A house is ‘property’, because there’s something physical there. The design for a house, on the other hand, is intellectual property because, even when it’s drawn out on blueprints, it’s the idea that’s valuable, not the paper it’s printed on. Read more…
Careers in ideas mix creativity with the practical application of imagination through science and engineering. They combine the detailed eye of a lawyer with an enterprising business brain. And they bring together opportunities in arts and media with solutions to global challenges.
Intellectual property is a current flowing under so much of modern society. That means working in IP puts you at the heart of important developments.
It also means careers in ideas not only bring respect and responsibility, but also good salaries and rewards.
From high-flying lawyers to super-efficient administrators, from innovative designers to international business people, there are many careers in ideas and intellectual property. Read more…
Take a closer look at just some of the roles, meet people who do those jobs and search for openings for you.
There are career openings in intellectual property whether you’re a school-leaver at 16 or you have postgraduate qualifications. Read more…
At the more junior level, the opportunities are mostly in administrative roles. Given the level of qualifications needed, they are varied and exciting roles, that soon come with plenty of responsibility and decent pay. If you’re organised and have good business skills, you can rise through the ranks fast.
The more senior roles though are for graduates – often people who’ve studied science, engineering, law, or even a combination of them. Many jobs will require specific qualifications for entry and/or on-the-job training.
For more details, take a look at the descriptions of different roles here.
The best route into a career in IP is to get some work experience in the field. That helps you test whether it could be the career for you, but it also helps you grow your understanding and shows your enthusiasm. Try approaching some of the supporters of this website, or, for current opportunities, look here.
The wide demands of careers in IP – legal, technical, scientific and administrative – mean there are opportunities for everyone, regardless of background, race, gender, sexuality or physical ability. Read more…
All sorts of people find fulfilling careers in IP, from different backgrounds in different roles. The jobs are generally well paid and offer more than just money. There are challenges, excitements, recognition and responsibility.
Meet some of those people here and hear their stories…
Did you know?
The first patent in North America was in 1633 when Massachusetts gave Joseph Winslow a patent to make salt.
Graduate
A patent attorney is someone who’s qualified to give advice to people about patents and to act …
Continue reading “Patent Attorney”
Key skills: English language skills, an aptitude for law, a close eye for detail
Needs: Science or engineering degree, possibly a PhD
School leaver
Formalities examiners check that when people (or companies) apply for their ownership of IP to be officially …
Continue reading “Formalities Examiner (UK)”
Key skills: Well organised and able to organise other people. A stickler for detail
Needs: 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) - preferably more
Graduate
Working at the Intellectual Property Office, a patent examiner decides whether applications for patents can be granted.
Key skills: Good technical knowledge and communication skills
Needs: A degree in a science, technology or maths discipline
Graduate
Patents can be complicated and technical, but they need to be understood by people all over the …
Continue reading “Technical Translator”
Key skills: Amazing language skills - nothing short of bilingual
Needs: Ideally a degree in languages & a Masters or diploma in translation
Graduate
A judge presides over legal disputes in courts or in hearings, ruling on matters of law and …
Key skills: Years of successful experience as a senior barrister or solicitor
Needs: Years of successful experience as a senior barrister or solicitor
Graduate
If you own a brand, you want to ensure that no one can cash in on your …
Continue reading “Trade Mark Attorney”
Key skills: An eye for detail and the ability to communicate clearly with clients
Needs: Usually a 2:1 degree, often in law or business
School leaver
Working at the Intellectual Property Office, a trade mark examiner assesses whether an application for a trade …
Continue reading “Trade Mark Examiner (UK)”
Key skills: An analytical mind and the ability to communicate clearly and accurately in written reports
Needs: At least 2 A levels (or equivalent)
Graduate
If you invent something, how do you know no one else has thought of it before? You …
Continue reading “Patent Searcher / Analyst”
Key skills: A strong head for analysing and interpreting numbers/stats
Needs: A degree in a science area
School leaver
Legal secretaries and paralegal assistants do all sorts of jobs such as filing and routine tasks, managing …
Continue reading “IP Legal Secretary / Paralegal”
Key skills: Good time management, an ability to hit deadlines in a busy environment
Needs: 5 GCSEs (or equivalent)
Graduate
A patent examiner who works at the European Patent Office (EPO) performs a similar job to a …
Continue reading “Patent Examiner (Europe)”
Key skills: Excellent language skills in English, French or German
Needs: Dependent on specific job within sector
Graduate
When we think of lawyers, we often think of people arguing a case in court. That’s pretty …
Continue reading “IP Barrister”
Key skills: Ability to get to the heart of complicated disputes quickly & tease out relevant issues
Needs: A good law degree or law conversion course. Then lots of training
School leaver
IP administrators are the ones who make the office run smoothly by providing administrative and secretarial support
Key skills: Great time management and organisation skills
Needs: GCSEs as a minimum, and ideally office experience
Graduate
IP is a world of intrigues and innovations, breakthroughs and break-ups. Somebody needs to tell these stories, …
Continue reading “IP Journalist”
Key skills: An inquiring mind and a sharp writing style
Needs: An understanding of the law and science could be helpful (but isn't essential).
Graduate
A solicitor gives legal advice to clients and represents them in negotiations or disputes.
Key skills: Legal & business skills like negotiating, commercial acumen, interpersonal skills
Needs: A good law degree or law conversion course, then the Legal Practice Course
Graduate
If you want to use someone else’s intellectual property – whether it’s a patent, music rights, or …
Continue reading “Licensing Executive”
Key skills: A business and legal mind-set and excellent negotiation skills
Needs: Usually you need a degree, preferably in law (or maybe in science for patent licensing)
Graduate
A lot of the best research goes on in universities. Sometimes, research teams realise they’ve created or …
Continue reading “Technology Transfer Officer”
Key skills: A bit of science, a bit of law, and a lot of business enterprise
Needs: Typically a science degree, or a law or business degree together with a keen interest in science and technology
Graduate
A great role for someone creative and communicative who’d rather not work in law or science.
Key skills: A creative mind, attention to detail, project management/multi-tasking skills and being a confident communicator
Needs: Depends on the position
IP Solicitor - Leeds
“Throughout my undergraduate physics degree, I always anticipated I would be pursuing a life in scientific research. However, in the...
Read moreIP Administrator - London
“I entered the trade mark profession by chance after completing a law degree. While working as a temp, I was...
Read moreTrade Mark Attorney - Halifax
Trainee
“I am currently undertaking a training contract, to become a Trade Mark Attorney, with Appleyard Lees. My route to becoming...
Read morePatent Examiner (Europe) - Germany
“After my masters in semiconductor physics, my PhD and a couple of years in industry, I became aware of the...
Read morePatent Attorney - London
“Unlike a lot of my contemporaries, I was not informed about the patent profession while I studied my undergraduate degree...
Read morePatent Examiner (Europe) - Germany
“I studied mechanical engineering with French at the University of Bath in the UK and spent two semesters in France...
Read morePatent Attorney - London
“Like many patent attorneys, I started off life as a keen undergraduate, fully expecting to keep on the white coat...
Read morePatent Attorney - Cheddar
“Leaving university, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Although I ideally wanted to use my science degree,...
Read moreTrade Mark Attorney - London & Oxford
“My route to the profession was a little unorthodox. I actually left school at 16 and found myself an office...
Read morePatent Attorney - London
“I am a patent attorney specialising in life sciences and have been in the profession for nearly 11 years. I...
Read moreIP Litigator - London
“I dreamed of being a doctor. When I was 17, I was in the midst of my chemical engineering undergraduate...
Read moreIP Solicitor - London
“After completing my genetics degree at university I set about trying to work out what to do with the rest...
Read morePatent Examiner (UK) - Newport (Wales)
“At school I enjoyed sciences and knew that to study Chemistry at university I’d need to do maths and sciences...
Read morePatent Attorney - Swindon
“I studied mechanical engineering at university and was sponsored by the research laboratories of a large company. I worked at...
Read moreTechnology Transfer Officer - London
“Sometime during the final year of my Master’s in Biotechnology I realised that even though I thoroughly enjoy science, a...
Read morePatent Attorney - London & Bath
“I have always preferred maths and science to languages, arts and humanities. But after taking Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Further...
Read morePatent Attorney - Reading
“Having completed a Masters and PhD in Mechanical Engineering (specialising in biomedical engineering), I was faced with the decision about...
Read morePatent Attorney - Buckinghamshire
Trainee
“My first brush with IP was a chance encounter. During the final semester of my dual degree program (B. Pharm...
Read moreTechnical assistant - Southampton
Trainee
Claire is training to be a patent attorney. She tells us what attracted her about the patent profession and how...
Read moreTrade Mark Attorney - Cambridge
“My journey started nearly 20 years ago. I studied biochemistry at university and I liked it so much, I stayed...
Read morePatent Attorney - Woking
“I chose to study Mechanical Engineering at university because I loved, and still do love, maths and science. However, after...
Read moreTechnology Transfer Officer - Cambridge
“After finishing my PhD in chemistry, I realised that I didn’t want a career in academia but wasn’t sure what...
Read morePatent Attorney - Cambridge
“I studied Electronics at University and then I started work at Nortel Networks, a telecommunications company in Harlow, Essex as...
Read morePatent Attorney - Nottingham
“I’d studied engineering for my undergraduate studies and was fortunate enough to be sponsored by an oil company. This meant...
Read moreIP Judge - London
“I went to a state school. The idea of becoming a lawyer was not on my radar until well after...
Read morePatent Attorney - Winchester
“Confession: I come into work each day looking forward to the challenges that I will face – not many people...
Read moreIP Barrister - London
“Think of a barrister and you probably imagine dusty old books, wigs, and average TV dramas. But you need not...
Read moreAssociate patent attorney - London
“Upon exploring a career as a patent attorney, I found the unique opportunity to use the knowledge and skills that...
Read moreCommercial manager (BD & Marketing) - London, Bath, Cardiff and Delft
John leads the business development (BD) and marketing functions in a patent and trade mark firm. He tells us how...
Read morePatent Searcher - Newport (Wales)
“I was introduced to patent researching via a recommendation of a friend who had applied for a patent searcher position,...
Read morePatent Attorney - Cheddar
“I was most of the way through my second degree when I heard about being a patent attorney, as a...
Read morePatent Attorney - London
“I found out about the patent profession by chance whilst at university. Whilst I enjoyed my Biochemistry course, I was...
Read moreIP Administrator - West Sussex
“I fell into the profession purely by chance. Having risen through the ranks of Private Secretary / Personal Assistant to...
Read moreTrade Mark Attorney - London
“I studied IP during my law degree and after deciding that the traditional solicitor/barrister route was not for me, but...
Read moreIP Legal Secretary - London
“I entered the profession after studying a law degree at university, where one of the modules was IP law. The...
Read moreTechnical assistant - London
Trainee
William did Easter and summer internships at D Young & Co. He tells us more about his route into his...
Read moreIP Administrator - Halifax
“I am head of records and renewals with Appleyard Lees, but didn’t start off in that role. I joined as...
Read more