The Patent Attorney and Trade Mark Attorney professions provide a fascinating, varied and rewarding career, each requiring particular combination of skills. Patent attorneys require a substantial degree of technical knowledge, whilst trade mark attorneys require a flair for understanding the business and commercial needs of clients. Attorneys in both professions need an analytical mind as well as a thorough knowledge of a variety of different laws, their regulation and operation, and how to use them to achieve the best results for clients.
Our attorneys advise on the entire spectrum of intellectual property (IP) matters covering patents, trade marks, design rights, copyright and confidentiality in the UK, the rest of Europe and worldwide. Our attorneys deal with the drafting of patent specifications; filing and prosecution of patent, trade mark, and design applications; searches, watches and investigations; the on-going evaluation of IP rights; oppositions and revocation actions; intellectual property audits, portfolio management and strategy; licensing; and infringement and enforcement matters.
Boult Wade Tennant has an excellent reputation for the highest professional and technical standards. To maintain this reputation, we take the training of attorneys very seriously. We insist that our trainees pass the high level professional examinations necessary for membership of the professional institutes or organisations which regulate and maintain the quality of the intellectual property professions.
When interviewing candidates, we try to assess a person's likely commitment. This is necessary, as the examinations are taxing and can take 3 - 4 years to complete. Furthermore, as our firm is a partnership, we also look for individuals who are potential future partners and who may ultimately be responsible for running the business.
Another quality required in candidates is the ability to explain matters clearly - both verbally and on paper. Much of our work involves written correspondence with clients and the patent and trade mark offices. It also involves preparing specifications which describe inventions and the drafting of written evidence and arguments. We are also called upon to submit verbal arguments on cases at hearings and to explain to our clients the 'ins and outs' of IP law. Since an attorney can typically handle anything from 1 - 30 different cases each day, it is advantageous for candidates to be well organised and versatile. Our professional lives revolve around deadlines.
By the end of their training, our assistants are expected to have a sound knowledge of intellectual property law, together with an understanding of the commercial concerns and needs of clients. This is acquired through a mixture of practical experience, working under supervision on clients' cases, and seminars, tutorials and courses.