Disclaimer: Our trainee blogs are written by trainees for trainees, offering career insights and industry perspectives.
From an engineering focus in academia, to a fulfilling career in intellectual property (IP) law, my career journey so far has been surprising and rewarding.
My academic focus was engineering, and little thought was given to intellectual property (IP) law outside of brief mentions in lectures and tutorials. It wasn’t until my placement year at Bosch, a German manufacturer of home and engineering appliances, that I began to grasp the significance of IP, although at that point, my focus was on completing my year in industry.
During the final stretch of my university journey an unexpected meeting with a distant relative working in the IP field piqued my interest. The conversation we engaged in motivated me to begin further research into IP law, where I discovered the Queen Mary University of London’s Management of Intellectual Property, master’s course. Recognising this as a pivotal opportunity to delve into the particulars of IP law, I applied and was fortunate enough to secure a place.
From the very first lecture, I was fascinated by the dynamic nature of IP law. Modules in trade marks, patents, designs, and copyright, provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the wide variety of IP rights and how IP works across International and European jurisdictions. I particularly enjoyed a module that explored the IP system in the United States.
As I approached the conclusion of my academic journey, I began navigating the job market in pursuit of trainee roles. However, nearing the end of my Masters, the Covid-19 pandemic began, resulting in many IP firms imposing hiring freezes and disrupting normal recruitment processes.
Undeterred by these obstacles, I adapted my approach to look for roles in the wider IP field and seized an opportunity as a trade mark examiner at the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO). In this role, I gained invaluable first hand experience in evaluating trade mark applications and honing my analytical skills. I often had to refuse trade mark applications and consider responses prepared by attorneys.
My time at the UKIPO provided me with invaluable insights into the regulatory side of trade mark law, but I aspired to work more closely with clients and contribute to strategic IP management.
Fast forward to 2023, I was delighted to accept a trainee trade mark attorney position at Appleyard Lees. The role did not start until later that year and so I joined as a trade mark administrator for 6 months. This allowed me to immerse myself in the intricacies of trade mark practice, and gain a deeper understanding of the firm’s processes, and forge valuable connections with stakeholders.
Since starting my training contract, I have actively participated in conferences, networking events, and collaborative projects. Looking back on my journey from engineering to trade marks, I am grateful for the unexpected encounters and the invaluable support of mentors and colleagues that have guided me along the way.
My journey in IP law has only just begun, and I am excited about where this journey will lead. If you are interested in embarking on a career in IP law or exploring opportunities as a trainee attorney, I encourage you to visit our careers page or register your interest today. Career opportunities – Appleyard Lees
