Trainee Patent Attorney | Digital & Electrical Engineering (Bath)

About This Role

Are you a brilliant mind with a passion for cutting-edge digital, electronic, or electrical engineering, eager to launch a dynamic career at the intersection of technology and law? EIP, a leading intellectual property firm renowned for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence, invites you to join our team in Bath as a Trainee Patent Attorney. This is an exceptional opportunity to transform your technical expertise into a rewarding profession, protecting the groundbreaking innovations that shape our future.

Starting in September 2026, this full-time, permanent position offers a hybrid working model, blending the benefits of office collaboration with remote flexibility. From your very first day, you will be immersed in real-world client work, gaining invaluable experience while being fully supported by a comprehensive, structured training programme. You'll work alongside a team of driven and ambitious professionals who are dedicated to fostering your growth, ensuring a clear path to qualification as both a UK and European Patent Attorney. EIP prides itself on cultivating an environment where new talent can thrive, contribute to high-profile cases, and make a tangible impact on the technological landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage directly with a diverse portfolio of clients, ranging from innovative startups to multinational corporations, providing expert advice on patentability, infringement, and validity matters within the digital, electronic, and electrical engineering sectors.
• Master the art of drafting and prosecuting patent applications for complex inventions, ensuring robust protection for novel technologies across various jurisdictions.
• Conduct meticulous patent searches and comprehensive analyses of prior art to assess the novelty and inventive step of new technologies.
• Evaluate invention disclosures with precision, identifying patentable subject matter and advising clients on the most effective intellectual property strategies.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with national (UKIPO) and international (EPO) patent offices, as well as with foreign counsel, managing the intricate processes of patent examination.
• Actively contribute to the development and implementation of strategic intellectual property portfolios, aligning patent protection with clients' commercial objectives.
• Participate enthusiastically in EIP's bespoke internal training sessions, workshops, and seminars, designed to build a strong foundation in patent law and practice.
• Collaborate closely with senior Patent Attorneys and colleagues, benefiting from their extensive experience and contributing to a supportive, team-oriented environment.
• Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and legal developments in digital, electronic, and electrical engineering, continuously expanding your knowledge base.
• Develop a keen understanding of legal principles, case law, and procedural requirements necessary for successful patent prosecution and contentious matters.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A strong academic background, typically a 2:1 honours degree or higher, in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related digital discipline such as Computer Science (with a significant hardware component), Mechatronics, or Robotics.
• A genuine and demonstrable passion for technology and innovation, particularly within the fields of digital systems, electronics, and electrical engineering.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a capacity for critical thinking and meticulous attention to detail.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, enabling you to articulate complex technical and legal concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• A high degree of ambition, self-motivation, and a proactive attitude, coupled with the drive to pursue a challenging and intellectually stimulating career.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team, managing multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.
• Eligibility to work in the UK without sponsorship.

Skills & Competencies

• Technical Acumen (Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Digital Systems)
• Analytical Thinking & Problem-Solving
• Exceptional Written & Verbal Communication
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy
• Research & Information Synthesis
• Client Relationship Building (developing)
• Strategic Thinking (developing)

What We Offer

Joining EIP means investing in a future where your potential is limitless. We are committed to providing an unparalleled start to your career as a Patent Attorney, offering a comprehensive suite of benefits and support:

• A competitive starting salary of £58,274.92, reflecting the value we place on our trainees.
• A comprehensive and meticulously structured training programme designed to equip you with all the knowledge and practical skills required for success.
• Full financial and study leave support for all professional examinations, including both the UK and European Patent Attorney qualifications.
• A clear, well-defined progression framework that outlines your path from trainee to qualified Patent Attorney and beyond.
• Direct mentorship from experienced, leading attorneys who are invested in your professional development and success.
• A collaborative, supportive, and intellectually stimulating team environment where knowledge sharing and mutual growth are highly valued.
• Early exposure to high-profile, cutting-edge technologies and the opportunity to work with a diverse range of innovative clients globally.
• The flexibility of a hybrid working model, allowing you to balance professional and personal life effectively from our Bath office.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities throughout your career.
• A vibrant firm culture that champions ambition, innovation, and a collective drive to excel.

How to Apply

If you are ready to embark on a challenging yet incredibly rewarding career, and possess the technical aptitude and drive to become a leading Patent Attorney, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your comprehensive CV and a compelling cover letter outlining your suitability for this role and your passion for intellectual property. Join EIP and help us protect the innovations that define tomorrow.