The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is the official UK government body responsible for intellectual property (IP) rights including patents, designs, trade marks and copyright. IP touches everything that makes life more enjoyable, easier, safer, and more prosperous. Our work gives researchers, inventors, creators and businesses the confidence to invest their time, energy and money in doing something new.
Explore the Frontier of Innovation as an Associate Patent Examiner
Patent Examiners are at the forefront of technological advancement, playing a pivotal role in shaping our future. Patent examining offers a unique and fascinating career where scientific and technical ingenuity meets legal acumen.
Currently, we are looking for people who have knowledge in one of the following technical fields:
Telecommunications or related field with knowledge of one or more of the following: the air interface, core network, MIMO, small cell arrangements and network slicing in LTE and 5G, Wi-Fi network protocols and operation, cryptography or encryption or network security.
Computer systems or related field with knowledge and interest in the underlying technology, particularly in the fields of encryption and data security, quantum computing, computational physics, neural networks, virtualised and cloud computing, fault-tolerant computing and error handling, program control, hardware design or database technologies.
This role will be carried out in-line with IPO Hybrid working arrangements where staff are currently expected to spend at least 20% of their time working onsite from one of our offices. This role is based in our Newport office.
The requirement for attendance at an office location can vary by role so we would encourage candidates to discuss working arrangements with the recruiting manager to agree a reasonable balance between working from home and the office.
As a Patent Examiner, you'll be at the forefront of technological advancement, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation in the world around us. You will gain insight into the developments being made around the world, from large businesses to individual innovators, supporting the UK economy by analysing and granting applications for UK patent rights.
Unparalleled Training and Mentorship
To complement your specialist scientific and technical knowledge, we’ll provide you with all the necessary training in the legal aspects of the role. You will be assigned a line manager who will work closely with you as you consolidate your learning in your initial years in the role.
The initial training course will start on Monday 29th September 2025 full time for 7/8 weeks. The training will include an engaging variety of seminars, practical demonstration, coursework and associated tutorials. This training will be held in person, onsite at our Newport Office allowing you to get to know your colleagues and fellow recruits.
Professional Development
At our organisation, we prioritise the growth and development of our team members.
With a clear path for advancement, after 2-5 years you’ll have the opportunity to progress from Associate Patent Examiner to Patent Examiner. After a few more years of development, a further non-competitive promotion is available to Senior Patent Examiner to become a subject matter expert and leader within our division.
The successful candidates will:
Applicants must hold at least a 2:2 degree in computing, telecommunications, or a related field or be on track to receive one by the end of the academic year.
Alternatively, applicants must demonstrate equivalent proficiency through substantial industrial experience in technical roles.
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:
Alongside your salary of £34,958, Intellectual Property Office contributes £10,127 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
When working at the IPO you can also expect:
