Job Title: Trainee Patent Attorney, Belfast

- Electronic Engineering or Computer Science

Company: Hanna IP

£ Not Disclosed

Location: Belfast City Centre

Hanna IP is an intellectual property consultancy firm with offices in both Belfast and Dublin. We pride ourselves on being a small firm of staff which allows the client to have a personal and tailored experience with us. This also allows for a friendly and relaxed experience for new employees joining our team, with each member of staff happy to help new and existing employees at any stage of the working day.

Hanna IP is continuing to grow as a result of the provision of a professional but personal service in meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations. Due to increased workload, we have a vacancy for a suitable candidate to help us with our expansion. We are currently seeking a Trainee Patent Attorney to join our team who is self-motivated and determined to acquire the knowledge and skills it takes to complete professional exams and become a Qualified Patent Attorney.

Essential criteria:

· Degree in Electronic Engineering or Computer Science.

· Ability to articulate and good at communicating, especially in writing.

· Ability to interact with both new and existing clients confidently with an aptitude for understanding client concerns.

Desirable criteria:

· Previous patent experience is ideal but not necessary as we are also welcoming recent graduates of any age to apply for the position.

· Demonstrating experience of previous client/customer facing work will be a distinct advantage for candidates for this role.

· Considerable ability to understand complex legal points and apply them to relatively fresh new circumstances is also ideal.

The Position

The role will be a diverse one allowing full practical experience of all aspects of Trainee Patent Attorney work. Duties mainly include but are not limited to:

· Prior art searching of inventions and trade marks

· Drafting patent applications and trade mark specifications

· Prosecuting patent applications at relevant patent granting authorities

· Providing opinions on patentability and infringement of patents, inventions, designs and trade marks

· Providing opinions on registrability and infringement of trade marks and/or designs as well as copyright issues. These opinions involve researching up to date case law on cases with similar facts and applying it to the existing legislation in place in UK, Ireland and EU

This is an incredible opportunity for an ambitious individual who is looking to pursue a rewarding legal career with a hardworking, personable team, whilst building on their current skills and experience.

On the job training will be provided from both our Qualified Patent Attorneys and experienced Trainee Attorneys.

At Hanna IP we are very flexible in terms of allowing our trainee attorneys to choose which of the professional exams they would prefer to sit on a yearly basis. Trainees will be supported through the process of qualification to become a European and Chartered Patent Attorney.

Salary will be commensurate to skill and experience of successful candidate. If you believe you are suitably qualified and will add value to our team, we look forward to hearing from you.

Please apply by email to recruitment@hannaip.com with an introductory covering letter attaching your CV marked for the attention of John Hanna.

Closing date for Applications: 31 July 2026

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We reserve the right to enhance the criteria to aid shortlisting.

Pay: £28,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person