Senior Trade Mark Paralegal

Addleshaw Goddard is recruiting a Senior Trade Mark Paralegal to join its Brands & Designs Group in Manchester. The role has been created as the Intellectual Property team continues to expand and client demand increases.

The successful candidate will help develop and manage a team of Trade Mark Paralegals while continuing to work on the management of domestic and international trade mark portfolios. The position is particularly suited to an experienced Trade Mark Paralegal who has developed technical expertise in trade mark portfolio management and is ready to take on greater responsibility for supervising and coordinating other paralegals.

The Brands & Designs Group

The Brands & Designs Group provides global brand management services for clients across a range of industries. Its work includes the maintenance and enforcement of trade marks worldwide and the management of UK and international trade mark portfolios.

The group works with clients including Liverpool Football Club, British Airways, Vitality, Stella McCartney, Atom Bank, Harrods, Kickers International, MoneySuperMarket and Travelodge Hotels.

The practice also advises on global trade mark monitoring, trade mark searches, clearance of new brands and the filing and prosecution of trade mark applications in the UK and internationally. Other work includes third-party trade mark disputes, including oppositions and cancellation actions, as well as renewals and other ongoing maintenance of trade mark registrations.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Trade Mark Paralegal will have responsibility for both technical trade mark work and the coordination of the wider paralegal team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a team of Trade Mark Paralegals and overseeing the allocation of work.

• Providing technical guidance and training to junior team members.

• Assisting with workflow and process improvement.

• Conducting online research and using online trade mark search databases.

• Drafting and overseeing domestic and international trade mark applications.

• Analysing official communications from trade mark offices and responding to them where appropriate.

• Advising clients in relation to official communications and managing associated billing.

• Handling trade mark renewals and ongoing maintenance.

• Supporting the development of efficient processes and workflows within the team.

The role also provides opportunities to work on significant national matters with support from specialist subject matter experts. Formal technical and skills-based training, mentoring, coaching and leadership development are available as part of ongoing professional development.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants must be CITMA qualified and have at least five years' experience as a paralegal working in IP or Trade Marks law.

Previous experience supervising or coordinating the work of other paralegals or support staff is required, with formal line management experience being highly desirable. Experience may have been gained in either private practice or an in-house environment.

The role also requires:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• The ability to explain legal terminology clearly to non-legal professionals.

• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• A proactive approach and willingness to take responsibility for completing work.

• Strong organisation and attention to detail.

• The ability to manage a high volume of complex work and competing deadlines.

• Effective prioritisation and coordination skills when working with multiple stakeholders.

• A commitment to supporting the development and performance of junior team members.

Career Development

The position provides scope for career progression as the successful candidate takes on responsibility within an expanding IP practice. Development opportunities include formal training, technical skills programmes, mentoring, coaching and leadership development.

The role combines specialist trade mark portfolio work with responsibility for supporting and coordinating other paralegals, making it suitable for an experienced practitioner looking to move into a more senior position within a legal IP team.