Associate Patent Examiner: Computing & Telecoms - Newport

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

Working Location

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.

Why Join Us?

As a Patent Examiner, 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 knowledge, we will 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.

Professional Development

With a clear path for advancement, after 2-5 years you will 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.

Behaviours and Technical Skills Assessment

The following behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills will also be assessed, including:

• The ability to understand and evaluate scientific and technical information to reach conclusions accurately.
• Evidence of knowledge in computing or telecommunications, detailing how you have applied this knowledge in practical situations.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must hold at least a 2:2 degree in computing, telecommunications, or a related field or demonstrate equivalent proficiency through substantial industrial experience in technical roles.

Additional Information

Interviews are due to take place week commencing Monday 17th March to Friday 4th April 2025. The UKIPO will refund reasonable travel expenses for attending the interview. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

We do not routinely reimburse travel expenses for candidates. However, the IPO is committed to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent individuals from attending interviews. Therefore, if participating in the selection process would cause you undue financial hardship, please contact the recruitment team.

For more information on the IPO's terms and conditions, please review the attached IPO Modernised Terms and Conditions document.