Last year I wrote a short piece about the demand for talented science graduates to enter the intellectual property profession. Twelve months on, and I would say that demand is now even higher.
Private practice firms in the UK continue to increase their headcount of new entrants in the profession, which is great news for the sector.
For those graduates who have studied for computer science, electronic engineering and physics degrees in particular, the demand is especially high.
If you have strong interpersonal skills, an ability to build rapport with inventors and a genuine passion for new technology, then IP could well be the career for you.
Commercial awareness is another much sought-after skill set in IP, as the demands of clients that range from UK-based SMEs to global organisations become increasingly challenging. Patent attorneys are required to understand the commercial objectives of clients large or small, so an ability to provide legal and strategic advice is part and parcel of the profession these days.
