15 Intellectual Property Law jobs in the United Kingdom

Intellectual Property Associate - Exeter
Up to 83,000 DOE | Hybrid (2 days office / 3 days remote)

This is one of those rare opportunities where the role, team, and firm all come together to create something special. If you're an Intellectual Property lawyer with 3-5 years' PQE and want to join a forward-thinking, international practice with an inclusive culture and ambitious growth plans, this could be the perfect next step.

Why This Firm?

You will be joining a firm with a genuine global reach, advising on complex cross-border matters and high-value transactions across sectors including life sciences, technology, retail, oil & gas, and pharmaceuticals . Their IP team is well-respected, highly collaborative, and works closely with other leading departments - meaning you'll get exposure to some of the most interesting and challenging work in the market.

What sets them apart is their people-first culture. Equity, diversity and inclusion are part of the fabric of the firm - not initiatives on a poster. Combine that with a genuine commitment to sustainability, ESG and responsible growth , and you'll understand why lawyers here feel supported, inspired and able to build long-term careers.

The Role:

You'll focus on non-contentious Intellectual Property matters, including:

• Advising on IP provisions in licensing, M&A, and joint venture transactions
• Working across sectors where IP is central, including pharmaceuticals and tech
• Negotiating and drafting IP agreements with a commercial, future-focused approach
• Supporting clients with day-to-day IP queries
• Building strong, lasting client relationships and contributing to business development

What We Are Looking For:

• Qualified solicitor with 3-5 years' PQE (candidates with less or more experience are still welcomed to apply)
• Strong experience in non-contentious IP and large-scale IP transactions
• Commercial awareness, technical excellence, and a real client focus
• Enthusiasm to be part of a growing, specialist team

What Is in It for You?

• Competitive salary + bonus structure, alongside excellent benefits (some to note are enhanced annual leave, private medical insurance, income protection, enhanced pension contribution and lots more!)
• Hybrid working : 2 days a week in the office, 3 from home
• Career Development Framework - transparent progression routes
• Global opportunities : work alongside colleagues and clients across the UK, Middle East, and Far East
• Supportive culture with a genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion, and ESG
• A chance to work in a team where your voice and ideas will count

If you're looking to grow your career in Intellectual Property with a firm that values people as much as profits, this is your chance to step into a role that's as rewarding as it is exciting.

Yolk Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our workforce. We employ the best people for the job at hand and actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, educational background, parental status, gender identity or any other protected characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity at Yolk allowing our team to bring their whole selves to work.

*Please note, whilst we do our best to contact all candidates, due to the high number of applications we receive we cannot guarantee this for every role. If you have not heard anything from us within 7 days of applying - then unfortunately you have been unsuccessful. Please keep an eye on our website for more opportunities.

• Develop and execute the company's global IP strategy, aligning it with business objectives.
• Manage the preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent applications in key jurisdictions worldwide.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses, patentability assessments, and landscape studies.
• Advise R&D teams on IP protection strategies for new inventions.
• Manage IP due diligence for collaborations, licensing agreements, and M&A activities.
• Oversee patent litigation matters, working closely with external counsel.
• Provide strategic counsel on all aspects of intellectual property law, including trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Stay abreast of evolving IP laws and regulations globally, particularly in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields.
• Train and advise business teams on IP best practices.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel and service providers.

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from a reputable institution.
• Admission to practice law in at least one relevant jurisdiction (e.g., England and Wales, USPTO).
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in intellectual property law, with a significant focus on patent prosecution and strategy in the life sciences (biotechnology, pharmaceuticals).
• Experience advising on IP issues related to R&D, commercial transactions, and litigation.
• Strong understanding of patentability requirements, claim drafting, and prosecution strategies.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts clearly.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively in a fast-paced, remote environment.
• Experience working directly with scientists and engineers.
• Admission to the Patent Bar (e.g., UK-qualified Patent Attorney or US Patent Agent/Attorney) is highly desirable.

• Develop and implement comprehensive intellectual property strategies for clients, encompassing patent prosecution, trademark registration, and IP asset management.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses, patentability searches, and landscape assessments.
• Manage and oversee patent litigation, trademark disputes, and other IP-related legal proceedings.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licensing, joint development, and technology transfer agreements.
• Advise clients on IP implications of business transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations.
• Conduct IP due diligence for corporate transactions.
• Stay abreast of evolving IP laws, regulations, and industry trends globally.
• Manage and mentor junior legal professionals and patent agents within the IP team.
• Collaborate closely with clients' internal teams, including R&D, legal, and business development departments.
• Provide strategic advice on protecting trade secrets and confidential information.
• Represent clients in proceedings before national and international IP offices and courts.
• Develop and deliver training sessions to clients on IP best practices.

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from a reputable institution.
• Admission to practice law in the UK and a current, active bar license.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of specialized experience in intellectual property law, with a strong emphasis on patent law.
• Proven experience in managing significant patent portfolios and prosecuting patents in relevant technical fields.
• Demonstrated success in handling complex IP litigation and dispute resolution.
• Excellent understanding of patent drafting, prosecution, and post-grant proceedings.
• Strong knowledge of trademark law, copyright law, and trade secret protection.
• Exceptional analytical, research, and writing skills.
• Outstanding negotiation and advocacy abilities.
• Experience in managing and mentoring legal teams is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in English is essential. Knowledge of other languages relevant to international IP matters is a plus.
• A technical background (e.g., degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, or Biology) is strongly preferred.

• Provide strategic counsel on all aspects of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Conduct thorough patentability searches and analyses, and advise clients on the strength and scope of their inventions.
• Draft and prosecute patent applications before national and international patent offices (e.g., UKIPO, EPO, USPTO).
• Manage and maintain client IP portfolios, ensuring timely renewals and filings.
• Advise on IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
• Represent clients in IP litigation, opposition proceedings, and other dispute resolution matters.
• Develop and implement comprehensive IP protection strategies tailored to client needs and market objectives.
• Review and advise on IP-related agreements, including licensing, technology transfer, and non-disclosure agreements.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and advise on potential infringement risks.
• Stay abreast of evolving IP laws and regulations globally and assess their impact on client businesses.
• Collaborate closely with inventors, R&D teams, and business leaders to understand technological advancements and business goals.
• Provide training and guidance to internal teams and clients on IP matters.
• Manage external counsel and service providers effectively to ensure high-quality and cost-efficient IP support.

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister in England and Wales, or equivalent qualification.
• Admission to the UK Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) or European Patent Attorney (EPA) qualification is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience in intellectual property law, with a strong focus on patent prosecution and strategy.
• Demonstrated experience in handling complex IP matters across diverse technical fields (e.g., software, engineering, life sciences, etc.).
• Proven ability to draft clear, precise, and robust legal documents, including patent applications and legal opinions.
• Strong understanding of international IP laws and procedures.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong client relationships remotely.
• Experience in IP litigation or dispute resolution is a significant asset.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a remote setting.
• A proactive approach to legal counsel and a strong business acumen.

• Develop and implement comprehensive IP strategies to protect the company's innovations, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Conduct patentability searches and analyses, and manage the preparation and prosecution of patent applications globally.
• Provide strategic guidance on trademark clearance, registration, and enforcement.
• Advise R&D and business teams on IP matters, including freedom-to-operate analyses, infringement risks, and IP due diligence for mergers and acquisitions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of IP-related agreements, such as licensing agreements, joint development agreements, confidentiality agreements, and settlement agreements.
• Manage and litigate IP disputes, including patent and trademark infringement cases, working with external counsel as necessary.
• Stay current with evolving IP laws and regulations in key global markets.
• Monitor competitor IP activities and identify potential threats or opportunities.
• Conduct IP training for internal teams to raise awareness and ensure best practices.
• Manage the company's IP budget and oversee interactions with patent offices and external IP counsel worldwide.
• Assess the IP implications of new product launches and market strategies.

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution.
• Admission to practice law in the UK (Solicitor or Barrister) and/or qualification as a European Patent Attorney or UK Chartered Patent Attorney is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in intellectual property law, with a significant portion focused on patent prosecution and strategy.
• Proven experience in managing a global IP portfolio for a technology-driven company.
• In-depth knowledge of patent drafting, prosecution, and post-grant procedures.
• Experience with IP due diligence for M&A transactions.
• Strong understanding of trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and collaborate effectively with technical and business teams.
• Experience working within a fast-paced, innovative industry is preferred.

• Develop and implement comprehensive IP strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage the global patent and trademark portfolio, including prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and provide risk assessments on new product development.
• Advise on IP-related agreements, including licensing, joint development, and confidentiality agreements.
• Represent the company in IP litigation, administrative proceedings, and disputes.
• Work closely with inventors and R&D teams to identify patentable inventions and secure patent protection.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
• Provide training and guidance to internal teams on IP best practices and compliance.
• Monitor competitor IP activities and identify potential infringement risks.
• Manage relationships with outside IP counsel and service providers globally.
• Stay current with evolving IP laws and regulations worldwide.

• Manage the company's intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
• Provide strategic advice on IP protection, exploitation, and enforcement.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licenses and assignments.
• Conduct IP due diligence for commercial transactions.
• Advise on IP disputes and litigation matters.
• Oversee the preparation and prosecution of patent and trademark applications.
• Collaborate with R&D and business teams to identify and protect new innovations.
• Ensure compliance with IP laws and regulations in relevant jurisdictions.
• Monitor the competitive IP landscape and advise on potential risks and opportunities.
• Manage relationships with external IP counsel and service providers.

• Law degree (LLB or equivalent) and qualified solicitor in England & Wales, or equivalent qualification in another relevant jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience specialising in intellectual property law.
• Extensive experience in patent, trademark, and copyright law, both contentious and non-contentious matters.
• Proven ability to develop and implement IP strategies.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating IP licenses and commercial agreements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage a high workload, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Professionalism and strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience in a technology or R&D-intensive industry is highly desirable.

• Developing and executing litigation strategies for complex intellectual property disputes, including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret cases.
• Managing all aspects of IP litigation from pre-action correspondence through discovery, trial, and appeal.
• Conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, motions, and other court filings.
• Representing clients in court proceedings, hearings, and settlement negotiations.
• Advising clients on IP protection, enforcement, and risk management strategies.
• Leading and mentoring a team of IP litigation lawyers and support staff.
• Collaborating with patent agents and technical experts to build strong cases.
• Staying current with evolving IP laws, regulations, and industry trends.
• Developing and maintaining strong client relationships, identifying opportunities for expanded legal services.
• Contributing to the firm's thought leadership in intellectual property law through publications and presentations.