Trainee trade mark attorney
Clare - Trainee trade mark attorney
Clare gained a first-class degree in history at Hull University in 1998. After considering a career in teaching, Clare decided that working in trade mark law was more suited to her long-term professional interests. Following a number of speculative applications to a range of firms of trade mark attorneys, Clare was offered the position of trainee trade mark attorney with Frank B Dehn & Co, one of Europe's largest firms of patent and trade mark attorneys. She has now been in the position for four and a half years and is currently awaiting the result of her final exam, which is the last hurdle to overcome before becoming a fully qualified trade mark attorney.
'My role is to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining their trade marks. A trade mark is any sign which distinguishes the goods or services of one trader from those of another and it can consist of, for example, a word, logo, colour or even a sound. I work for a wide variety of clients, ranging from multinational corporations to small, local companies and individuals.
I prepare and file many trade mark applications for clients and assist in prosecuting those applications through to registration. This often involves submitting written arguments and evidence to the UK Trade Marks Registry or to the European Community Trade Marks Office. It can also involve attending Hearings at the UK Registry in order to discuss cases directly with a Hearing Officer. On a day-to-day level, my job involves a large amount of letter writing - to clients, overseas trade mark attorneys and to official bodies such as the UK Registry. Analysing and collating information plays an important part in my job as does attention to detail. I also deal with general enquiries regarding trade mark protection, both in writing and on the telephone.'
As well as working with information, Clare's role also involves liaising with clients, colleagues and other trade mark professionals:
'Being based in a regional office, I perhaps have more direct contact with smaller clients than my London-based colleagues. For example, I frequently speak to owners of small companies based in the local area to advise them about trade mark protection. It is particularly satisfying to be able to help local companies and to subsequently see them using the trade marks which I have helped them to protect.
There is no such thing as a standard day in this profession - it is simply impossible to predict what cases and enquiries are going to come in. Occasionally, the job can be quite stressful, for example when we receive last minute instructions or when I'm trying to juggle numerous cases at the same time! However, other times are quieter. Whilst there are, of course, formalities and paperwork to deal with, the overall variety of the job and the clients keeps it interesting. The support of the company and my colleagues is also an important factor.'
When asked about her experience of studying for the professional exams, Clare comments:
'Preparing for exams whilst holding down a full-time job is difficult because it involves fitting revision into an already hectic working day and trying to maintain a healthy social life. However, support in the form of tutorials and lectures are provided by the company and ITMA, and much of the experience needed to pass the exams is provided on the job.
To get into this profession, you need to have a strong academic background and record, and a high degree of literacy. As regards degree subject, some firms prefer law graduates, but others (including my firm) will consider candidates from a range of academic fields.
A career as a trade mark attorney is suited to those who enjoy an intellectual challenge. It also offers long-term security and good financial rewards. Being a relatively small profession, there is scope (particularly when qualified) to move to a different firm. It is also possible to move out of private practice and into industry, for example, into the trade mark department of a large commercial company.
From a personal perspective, I would hope to qualify in the near future and stay with my firm, ultimately progressing to partnership level.'
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