Associate - IP Disputes

Department: Commercial and Technology

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Bristol

Description

We are seeking a 3-year PQE Associate to join our Bristol Intellectual Property team, supporting all aspects of contentious and non-contentious intellectual property, but with a particular emphasis on patent and trade mark litigation across sectors including financial services, life sciences, software and electronics.

Our Bristol practice is well established with an excellent reputation for IP disputes. You will work with clients ranging from well-known international businesses, national household names and technology scale ups. The role offers strong exposure to complex and interesting contentious IP matters, including High Court and IPEC litigation, and the opportunity to develop into a trusted adviser within a dynamic and growing team, with lots of first hand exposure to clients.

This is an ideal opportunity for a junior-mid level IP litigator who is looking to deepen their expertise, take on increasing responsibility, and build their career within a supportive, high-performing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the management of contentious IP matters, including patent disputes, trade mark infringement claims, trade mark oppositions and copyright infringement claims.
• Draft and assist with pleadings, evidence, correspondence, disclosure and litigation process management in High Court and IPEC matters.
• Work closely with senior team members on patent litigation strategy, including liaising with counsel and technical experts and reviewing scientific or engineering evidence.
• Handle pre-action correspondence, assist with settlement discussions and explore alternative dispute resolution options.
• Draft commercial IP agreements, negotiate licensing deals, support on the intellectual property aspects of corporate transactions.
• Provide clear, commercially-focused advice to clients on enforcement, protection strategies, risk mitigation and dispute resolution.
• Develop relationships with clients, demonstrating professionalism, responsiveness, and the ability to handle day-to-day queries.
• Participate in business development, including article writing, preparing client updates, delivering training and engaging with Bristol's innovation ecosystem.
• Work collaboratively with the wider IP, commercial, corporate and technology teams to support multi-disciplinary matters.
• Continue to build your technical IP knowledge, including developments in patent law, life sciences/engineering technologies and case law.
• Handle confidential client and technical information in accordance with strict security protocols.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Around 3 years PQE in contentious intellectual property, ideally with a degree in a relevant science or engineering subject, experience of patent litigation (in-depth patent experience not essential if you have the aptitude and enthusiasm to develop).
• A genuine interest in technology, science or engineering, and the ability to confidently engage with technical subject matter.
• Experience supporting High Court or IPEC litigation .
• Strong legal and technical research, drafting and analytical skills, with the maturity to take ownership of tasks under appropriate supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to build client relationships, communicate clearly and adapt to different levels of technical understanding.
• A proactive and organised approach, with good matter management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• A team player who contributes positively, shares knowledge and supports colleagues.
• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales.