8 Intellectual Property jobs in the United Kingdom

London | Hybrid | £90,000–£110,000 + bonus + full benefits

Work at the intersection of law, life sciences and innovation.

Join a specialist IP team advising global clients on complex, high-value transactions across tech, pharma, energy and retail. You’ll be at the core of deals where intellectual property is the deal, drafting, negotiating and safeguarding some of the most valuable intangible assets in the market.

What You’ll Do

• Advise on IP-heavy M&A, licensing, and R&D agreements, especially in life sciences and tech.
• Draft, negotiate and review IP licensing, assignment, franchising and R&D agreements.
• Support on corporate transactions with tricky ownership, licensing, and development issues.
• Collaborate across the firm – working with corporate, employment, litigation, and fraud teams.
• Guide clients on brand protection, portfolio strategy, and commercialisation of IP assets.
• Contribute to precedent and know-how development and wider client training initiatives.

What You’ll Need

• 3–6 years’ PQE and solid experience in non-contentious IP work, ideally across multiple sectors.
• Strong technical understanding of licensing, assignments, joint ventures, and IP diligence.
• Commercial mindset with a knack for spotting risk and value in complex contractual structures.
• Drive, independence, and a genuine interest in the evolving role of IP in business.

The Team

The IP team here is deeply collaborative, working side-by-side with corporate, tech and disputes colleagues across offices and borders. Their practice spans all IP rights, from patents to confidential info, with a standout focus on advisory and transactional work. There’s also a strong contentious practice, meaning clients get end-to-end IP support under one roof.

You’ll be learning from some of the sharpest minds in the business, including partners who advise on international IP strategy for multi-jurisdictional businesses and cutting-edge innovators.

The Firm

An international law firm with 1000+ staff and a leading reputation in real estate, infrastructure, and commercial work. They’re known for their human-first culture, open, inclusive, and supportive, with hybrid working, career development frameworks, and a genuine focus on long-term growth.

• Performance-based bonus scheme
• Private healthcare, 25 days holiday (+ buy/sell scheme)
• Hybrid/flexible working (2–3 days office)
• Clear promotion framework with mentoring from day one

London | Hybrid | £90,000–£110,000 + bonus + full benefits

Work at the intersection of law, life sciences and innovation.

Join a specialist IP team advising global clients on complex, high-value transactions across tech, pharma, energy and retail. You’ll be at the core of deals where intellectual property is the deal, drafting, negotiating and safeguarding some of the most valuable intangible assets in the market.

What You’ll Do

• Advise on IP-heavy M&A, licensing, and R&D agreements, especially in life sciences and tech.
• Draft, negotiate and review IP licensing, assignment, franchising and R&D agreements.
• Support on corporate transactions with tricky ownership, licensing, and development issues.
• Collaborate across the firm – working with corporate, employment, litigation, and fraud teams.
• Guide clients on brand protection, portfolio strategy, and commercialisation of IP assets.
• Contribute to precedent and know-how development and wider client training initiatives.

What You’ll Need

• 3–6 years’ PQE and solid experience in non-contentious IP work, ideally across multiple sectors.
• Strong technical understanding of licensing, assignments, joint ventures, and IP diligence.
• Commercial mindset with a knack for spotting risk and value in complex contractual structures.
• Drive, independence, and a genuine interest in the evolving role of IP in business.

The Team

The IP team here is deeply collaborative, working side-by-side with corporate, tech and disputes colleagues across offices and borders. Their practice spans all IP rights, from patents to confidential info, with a standout focus on advisory and transactional work. There’s also a strong contentious practice, meaning clients get end-to-end IP support under one roof.

You’ll be learning from some of the sharpest minds in the business, including partners who advise on international IP strategy for multi-jurisdictional businesses and cutting-edge innovators.

The Firm

An international law firm with 1000+ staff and a leading reputation in real estate, infrastructure, and commercial work. They’re known for their human-first culture, open, inclusive, and supportive, with hybrid working, career development frameworks, and a genuine focus on long-term growth.

• Performance-based bonus scheme
• Private healthcare, 25 days holiday (+ buy/sell scheme)
• Hybrid/flexible working (2–3 days office)
• Clear promotion framework with mentoring from day one

Your new company

A leading international law firm is seeking a talented and driven Intellectual Property Associate to join its growing IP team. With a strong national and international presence, the firm is known for its collaborative culture, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a strategic focus on responsible and sustainable growth.

Your new role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist IP team with a balanced mix of contentious and non-contentious work. The successful candidate will focus on the Non-contentious side of the practice, advising on a wide range of IP transactions across sectors such as Life sciences, technology, retail, and energy.

The team advises on all aspects of IP rights, including trademarks, copyright, patents, designs, and confidential information. The role will involve working closely with colleagues across corporate, commercial, and litigation teams, particularly in support of M&A and licencing transactions where IP is a central asset.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising on and negotiating IP-related agreements, including licencing, franchising, R&D, and technology transfer.
• Supporting corporate transactions with IP due diligence and drafting.
• Advising clients on day-to-day IP matters and portfolio management.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Participating in business development and marketing initiatives.
• Ensuring compliance with internal quality and risk management procedures.

What you'll need to succeed

• Qualified solicitor with 3-5 years PQE (guidelines only) in non-contentious IP.
• Strong technical knowledge of IP law and experience in transactional IP work.
• Experience advising on IP aspects of M&A and commercial agreements.
• Excellent communication and client-handling skills.
• Commercially astute with a proactive and collaborative approach.
• Solid academic background.

What you'll get in return

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.
• Access to high-quality work and clients across a range of sectors.
• Opportunities for career development and progression within a growing team.
• A firm-wide commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.
• Regular training, mentoring, and professional development support.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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NPL’s Intellectual Property underpins much of NPL’s work and supports the real-world impact created through adoption of NPL technologies. We have a proud record of commercialisation - our IP has supported the growth of UK companies as well as the commercialisation of innovative NPL solutions through routes such as spin-outs, licensing and NPL’s products and services.

Recent examples include the development and launch of DAART, a digital metrology platform for radiotherapy audits, a new miniature atomic clock, developed by NPL and now being commercialised with a commercial party, and Thermology Health, a spinout organisation from NPL, who have developed the world’s most accurate thermal imaging platform that enables early diagnostics based on ultra-accurate temperature readings and AI analytics.  

This is an exciting opportunity for an IP specialist to expand their experience and knowledge, working as part a team of IP and technology transfer specialists in the Partnerships Department with a strong focus on collaborating with our science and legal teams, external patent attorneys and external partners on the identification, protection and exploitation of IP.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing invention disclosures and advising on best protection strategies
• Conducting due diligence and unencumbering IP so it can be commercialised
• Working alongside Product Managers to ensure the IP strategy aligns with and strengthens the overall business plan for each innovation
• Structuring and negotiating IP deals and IP terms in third party agreements
• Advising on IP risks and mitigations
• Managing a broad and technically diverse IP portfolio (activities include leading on patent and trademark prosecution and managing associated budgets, and post-licensing management)
• Raising IP awareness in the organisation by delivering training and being the first point of contact for any IP queries

NPL’s Intellectual Property underpins much of NPL’s work and supports the real-world impact created through adoption of NPL technologies. We have a proud record of commercialisation - our IP has supported the growth of UK companies as well as the commercialisation of innovative NPL solutions through routes such as spin-outs, licensing and NPL’s products and services.

Recent examples include the development and launch of DAART, a digital metrology platform for radiotherapy audits, a new miniature atomic clock, developed by NPL and now being commercialised with a commercial party, and Thermology Health, a spinout organisation from NPL, who have developed the world’s most accurate thermal imaging platform that enables early diagnostics based on ultra-accurate temperature readings and AI analytics.  

This is an exciting opportunity for an IP specialist to expand their experience and knowledge, working as part a team of IP and technology transfer specialists in the Partnerships Department with a strong focus on collaborating with our science and legal teams, external patent attorneys and external partners on the identification, protection and exploitation of IP.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing invention disclosures and advising on best protection strategies
• Conducting due diligence and unencumbering IP so it can be commercialised
• Working alongside Product Managers to ensure the IP strategy aligns with and strengthens the overall business plan for each innovation
• Structuring and negotiating IP deals and IP terms in third party agreements
• Advising on IP risks and mitigations
• Managing a broad and technically diverse IP portfolio (activities include leading on patent and trademark prosecution and managing associated budgets, and post-licensing management)
• Raising IP awareness in the organisation by delivering training and being the first point of contact for any IP queries

Forseven, a revolutionary company is looking to transform the EV industry through cutting-edge technology and innovative engineering practices, are seeking a Senior Manager of Intellectual Property  to join our highly skilled and dynamic Legal . This role will be reporting into the General Counsel.

The role will operate in a hybrid capacity out of our office in Leamington Spa, Warwick where the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most visionary minds in the automotive field.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a scale-up, where your contributions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our forward-thinking company. With its rapid growth trajectory and dynamic nature, Forseven offers you an exceptional platform to help drive strategy as we expand into new horizons.

In this role you will be responsible for driving and implementing Forseven’s global IP strategy in accordance with Forseven’s business objectives. You will collaborate closely with both technical and commercial colleagues and will manage our external IP law firms and patent attorneys in multiple jurisdictions. You will build a meaningful IP portfolio to protect our current and future business, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. This role requires a deep understanding of automotive technologies, legal expertise and strong leadership skills.

What you will do:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to set global IP strategy including devising and implementing comprehensive protection strategies for the company’s key assets and R&D initiatives

• Organise and manage the company's IP portfolio, including patents, designs, brands and trademarks, data, copyright and trade secrets, to optimise business value

• Identify patentable inventions, review patent applications, and work with external advisers to prosecute patents worldwide.

• Conduct intellectual property searches and analyses to assess registrability, freedom to operate and infringement risks.

• Oversee intellectual property licensing, technology transfer and partnership agreements including risk and opportunity management.

• Manage resolution of IP disputes with third parties, including monitoring for infringement and taking appropriate legal action when necessary.

• Provide expert IP guidance to stakeholders across the business on corporate IP risks and mitigations including liaising with technical teams on Product Liability and Safety topics

• Manage relationships with external legal counsel, patent agents, and other intellectual property service providers.

• Develop and manage the intellectual property budget, including forecasting expenses and optimising resource allocation.

• Provide intellectual property guidance and training to stakeholders across the business.

• Stay abreast of relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends related to intellectual property rights in the automotive and technology sectors.

Who you are:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, law, or a related field. Advanced degree (e.g., JD, PhD) preferred.

• Broad experience in intellectual property management, with a focus on automotive or technology industries.

• Licensed patent attorney or patent agent preferred.

• Strong understanding of automotive technology, including mechanical, electrical, and software systems.

• Proven track record of drafting and prosecuting patents in the automotive field.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Proficiency in intellectual property management software and databases.

About us and our culture…

At Forseven, we are more than just a team of professionals; we are dynamic innovators, visionary collaborators and trailblazers who believe in making a difference. Our passion lies in revolutionising the electric vehicle industry through our cutting-edge advancements and sustainable solutions that aim to transform the way transportation is perceived.

Currently operating under stealth mode, our focus is entirely directed towards achieving excellence as pioneers in creating sustainable mobility solutions which will help shape the future of transportation. We're looking for enlightened individuals who possess an unwavering passion, relentless drive, and insatiable curiosity to question conventional norms and push beyond perceived limitations.

Partner or Legal Director - Intellectual Property

About the firm

We are delighted to be partnering with an ambitious, full service, UK Top 50 national law firm with exciting growth plans for its Bristol office. They advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: property, corporate services, litigation and private client advisory. The firm is motivated to grow a substantial partner-led offering from its Bristol base, having already attracted several leading lawyers from across the region.

About the role

Joining as a Partner or Legal Director, you will have the scope to shape and deliver growth within the IP team from Bristol and positively impact on the firm’s IP practice as a whole. The firm is keen to build upon the success of the existing partner-led team of 7 specialist IP lawyers, servicing clients from a wide range of sectors, including some household names. The team undertake high quality IP work acting for clients in all specialist IP forums, including complex High Court disputes. By expanding the team at a senior level, the firm is seeking the opportunity to extend their reach to win new, high quality work as capacity and expertise increases.

You will benefit from the additional support, resources and referrals which flow between colleagues as the IP team works closely with counterparts in litigation and the wider commercial and technology teams. When it comes to international jurisdictions, the firm have established relationships with overseas attorneys to ensure that they can support clients on an international scale.

You will be encouraged to actively engage in a range of business development activities as part of your remit to drive growth and raise the profile of the firm. This will include leading on tenders/pitches and writing sector-relevant articles for internal and external publications.

About you

The firm is seeking to recruit an individual who has the drive and commitment to deliver continued growth and development of their IP practice and become an core senior member of the team. As an established IP Partner or experienced senior Lawyer seeking to step up, you will be expected to operate at a high level in terms of technical excellence, team development, client liaison and business development.

You appreciate how best to work with clients to understand their priorities and preferences, applying your commercial insights and a pragmatic approach to each matter. Your client-focussed style will be important in supporting the team as they develop, giving clear, timely and practical legal advice on often complex and technical areas of IP law.

You are entrepreneurial, motivated and enthusiastic with proven specialist expertise in IP law. With a flair for developing strong relationships with clients, you are confident in your ability to advise directly on the more complex IP matters. You’ll also be accustomed to supporting less experienced team members to become more independent, with active knowledge sharing and a supportive supervision style.

If you have a focus on patent litigation, this is a specific area in which the team would like to grow.

Benefits:

Partner benefits will be discussed at interview stage.

Employee benefits at Legal Director include:

• 30 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
• Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
• Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
• Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
• Staff Profit Share / Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
• Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
• Paid ESG day (Environmental, Social and Governance)
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Subsidised gym membership
• Electric car scheme
• Agile Working Policy
• Dress for your Day Policy

For an informal discussion about this opportunity without commitment and in confidence, please contact Charlotte Ferguson, Recruitment Manager at