Find a graduate training for patent attorney and patent examiner jobs

Patent attorney employers tend not to recruit at specific times, but advertise vacancies when they arise. Even so, there are likely to be more positions available when university courses are ending, as many employers do target new graduates looking for their first job.

This is also an area where speculative applications can work wonders. If you’ve studied a particular subject, and wish to use your knowledge in patent work, you can target employers with a focus on that area. You can find a list of potential employers at CIPA’s UK Directory of Patent Agents and get details about them from employer websites and brochures. Vacancies may be listed in scientific publications or in the UK Intellectual Property Office's Patents and Designs Journal, and government positions are advertised through the civil service.

Many firms have online application forms, but it’s also common to apply with a CV and covering letter. You’re likely to face a challenging recruitment process, which may include:

• interviews, both technical and personal
• a written task, such as drafting a specification for an everyday object
• a comprehension test, such as reading and interpreting a patent specification
• critical thinking tests
• psychometric tests.

How to get a job as a patent examiner

Patent examiners are employed by patent offices around the world and application procedures will vary for each office. The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) operates an annual graduate recruitment programme. The recruitment process at the IPO usually involves filling in an online application form and attending an interview. All applicants should hear their decision within five working days.Vacancies can be found on their website or through the civil service recruitment website.

The European Patent Office (EPO), on the other hand, recruits on an as-needed basis throughout the year. They generally advertise vacancies on their website. Selection methods typically involve filling in an initial online application form, to which you can attach a CV, and undergoing language tests. You need to be fluent in one of the official languages of the EPO (English, French and German) and have an understanding of the other two, although your application may still be considered if you are fluent in one, understand another and are willing to learn the third on the job. You may also undergo psychometric tests, which combine questions about your personality with questions about your ability to do the work.