Title: Patent Formalities Officer
Location: Manchester (Hybrid)
Hours: Full Time - 37.5 hours
The Position
Our Manchester office is home to a dynamic, fast‑paced Patent team supporting clients across life sciences, chemistry, electronics, software and engineering. With demanding and fast‑evolving requirements, we rely on exceptional accuracy, organisation and attention to detail. As a Patent Formalities Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering a high‑quality, timely and reliable formalities service, supporting fee‑earners and contributing to the smooth running of a busy, highly valued team.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive support for the filing and prosecution of UK, European, International (PCT) and other national patent applications.
- Ensure all patent deadlines are met with absolute accuracy, complying with legal and fee requirements for each jurisdiction.
- Prepare, execute and, where necessary, legalise documentation required to support patent filings and registrations.
- Liaise proactively with attorneys and stakeholders to progress actions and ensure timely completion of case tasks.
- Maintain strong knowledge of patent law and formalities procedures across key filing countries to deliver a professional, informed service to clients.
About You
You will bring proven experience across the full range of UK, European and international patent formalities, along with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail when working under pressure. Confident in using your own judgement, you’ll ensure clients’ applications are processed appropriately while maintaining a highly organised and efficient approach to your workload. You’ll be able to prioritise effectively in a fast‑paced environment and collaborate positively as a supportive team player. Having the CIPA patent administrator qualification would be a significant benefit.
About HGF:
HGF Limited is one of Europe’s largest intellectual property specialist firms offering a fully integrated IP solution, bringing over 200 Patent Attorneys, Trade Mark Attorneys and IP Solicitors together to provide a full-service IP solution.
With 25 offices across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, France, Switzerland & Austria, HGF’s Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys provide specialist technical and legal advice to blue chip organisations and small to medium businesses across the world. Many of our clients are household names and the work HGF does allows them to protect and exploit their inventions, new products and branding.
Why move to HGF?
- HGF takes a transparent and merit-based approach to your career development and you will have the opportunity to shape your long-term progression.
- We’re a firm with a focus on DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion), with a staff led DEI Focus Group, affinity networks and a DEI Board sponsor
- As a business we have a dedicated Learning and Development team focused on career long development of your skills along with a digital learning platform covering a wide range of content
- Benefits including our award winning enhanced parental leave policy, 27 days holiday, bonus scheme and flexible working
HGF Values
People - People matter. We treat people fairly, with respect and compassion. We foster a friendly, inclusive and enjoyable culture for everyone to prosper in. We invest in our people and offer appropriate coaching and training to assist with development and learning. We promote a healthy work-life balance. Progression is based on merit.
Excellence – We strive to be the best. We pursue excellence in all our individual roles resulting in outstanding legal and technical advice for our clients. Our people are pragmatic, responsive and commercially minded. We do not presume but listen to understand so we can engage proactively and appropriately.
Teamwork – We stand together. We work with our clients to protect their interests, and with each other as a mutually supporting firm. We value, appreciate and listen to others, regardless of role, recognising each individual’s particular blend of talent, skill and experience. We are individually and jointly accountable and take responsibility for our actions and decisions.
Progressive – We innovate. We continually improve our services and processes through understanding, creativity, and investment. We evolve by taking opportunities and adopting new business procedures, unencumbered by historical structures or out-of-date attitudes. As a firm, we have an entrepreneurial spirit, and encourage new thinking in our people.