Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection's threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites, and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

We're seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Counsel (Patent Attorney In-House) to join our team hybridly based at our Hemel HQ & London Blackfriars sites, where you will play a pivotal role in protecting and maximising the value of our intellectual property assets.

• Counsel and support R&D teams of the Smiths Detection and Smiths Interconnect divisions to protect company's intellectual property worldwide.
• Conduct comprehensive freedom to operate analyses to assess potential risks and opportunities for new product development.
• Support compliance with legal obligations concerning the use of Open Source Software (OSS).
• Monitor competitor intellectual property activity and market trends to inform patent strategy and identify potential licensing opportunities.
• Draft and prosecute patent applications to secure robust intellectual property protection in alignment with business objectives.
• Assist with Legal & Business Affairs department projects as required.

Qualifications

• Qualified Patent Attorney with at least 2 years post qualification
• Experience in patent filing and prosecution, freedom to operate and IP transactional work.
• Ability to work effectively under time and workload pressure.

Desirable But Not Essential

• Degree in electrical and electronics engineering or similar.
• Experience supporting the growth of a digital business including Proof of Concept and SaaS subscription agreements and software licence agreements.
• Knowledge of Legal Tracker billing system and Ipendo IP Management System.

Join us and we'll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You'll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Diversity & Inclusion

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.