I had previously worked in other areas of law as a secretary, including matrimonial law, residential and commercial conveyancing. After a career break to have my son, in 2009 I applied for a secretarial position at an IP firm in York and worked in the patent department. I relocated to Cornwall a year later and found a job at another IP firm where I worked in both the patent and trade mark departments for a while, before being asked if I could assist more within the trade mark department. At the same time, I was offered the opportunity to take the CITMA Paralegal Course, which I passed in 2016.

Following the COVID pandemic, workplace opportunities were opened up for me as I was no longer confined to working in Cornwall. I joined a firm near London, fully remotely. I later moved to D Young & Co in another fully remote position in 2022.

In my previous trade mark paralegal roles, I had been the sole paralegal at each of the small firms. D Young & Co is a much larger firm with a whole team of paralegals. I have gained a lot more experience and knowledge in this role. I appreciate being part of a supportive team and having the job security of working for a large and well-established firm.

My work day can be quite varied but the majority of my work involves filing trade mark and design applications and recording documents and data changes for the owners of IP rights. I enjoy the opportunities of a larger firm and was lucky enough to be offered a part time secondment with one of our large clients. I assisted with their trade mark portfolio; prepared and reviewed watch reports; and corresponded with outside counsel.

My advice for anyone wanting to enter the profession as a trade mark paralegal would be to find a firm where they would be willing to train you and offer the CITMA Paralegal Course (once you have gained 18 months’ experience).

Trade Mark and Design Specialist / D Young & Co

Last Updated: November 7, 2024