Associate in a small firm
Natalie - Associate trade mark attorney in a small firm
Natalie has been in the profession since August 1998, and has been a fully qualified registered trade mark attorney since 2003. Prior to becoming a trade mark attorney Natalie did an English literature and history degree. During her third and fourth years at university she did some work experience at a relative's firm which gave her a real insight into the profession.
'I thought trade marks sounded more interesting than commercial or property law. For instance, shopping in a supermarket sounded so much more fun when trying to spot the brands you might have given advice upon! Consequently, I decided to try to begin a career in trade marks.'
As the work experience was successful, on completion of her degree she was offered a job at the firm as a trainee trade mark attorney.
Natalie feels that the work experience was invaluable as it gave her a real insight into what she would be doing as a trainee and it really helped her to become familiar with the office environment and with the mechanics of trade marks themselves. She advises that if you can secure a period of work experience, and that work experience goes well, 'you will already be ahead of the game when it comes to applying to that firm for a full-time position.'
In terms of relevant skills for the job, Natalie believes that you need to pay real attention to detail and should not be afraid to think laterally, which is invaluable for solving the many problems which come across your desk each day. She also thinks that her subject of study was very relevant as she is regularly required to research a problem, collate information, analyse that information and provide an opinion to a client in writing or on the telephone.
Since taking on the role eight years ago Natalie has seen it evolve:
'My role has developed considerably in that I now advise both the 'little man in the street' and multinational companies on all aspects of trade mark issues. In fact, I am now undertaking further training to become a trade mark and design litigator as trade mark attorneys now have rights of audience before the Court.'
Natalie advises people on whether they can use or register a particular name or logo by conducting searches of the relevant trade mark registers and analysing the results. She also provides advice on securing registration of a trade mark not only in the UK and Europe but worldwide; works with local attorneys to prosecute trade marks in the UK and other territories outside the UK and Europe; appears at hearings before the Trade Marks Registry; and deals with transferring ownership of trade marks and licensing issues.
Natalie really enjoys the variety which the job brings, particularly working in private practice:
'I can be advising on a problem involving the provision of hairdressing or beauty services one minute and power tools the next! It is also always exciting to see a brand you have helped to register out in the marketplace. I enjoy the contact with clients particularly when you feel you have really helped them solve a problem.'
On the downside, deadlines can be quite pressing:
'I think the worst part of the job is not knowing what is going to come up during the day (although that is also an exciting part of it!). You can come in to do one job and have to drop everything in order to focus on something else. Many a dinner date has been cancelled because something needs to be taken care of urgently. However, so long as you are organised and can prioritise things, that makes it easier.'
Natalie has just begun an LLM in Intellectual Property Litigation and her goal is to successfully complete the course and obtain the relevant accreditation from ITMA to become a trade mark and design litigator.
'I think it is really important for trade mark attorneys to exercise their ability to represent clients in court, particularly because I think trade mark attorneys will be dealing with a lot more contentious issues in the future. I want to be able to advise clients on all aspects of trade marks, including handling litigation for them and, if necessary, representing them in court before a judge.'
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