"NLO is one of the most international firms in Europe, which makes it interesting and possible
to learn from colleagues with all kinds of backgrounds"

Recommending NLO

Being a patent attorney means exciting and challenging working days. Each day is different because you deal with new innovations, all kinds of customers and a number of rather differentiated legal systems (e.g., European, US, China, etc.). A fulfilling job in Huaizhou’s eyes, thanks to short-term daily milestones. There’s so much to learn still about new technologies, about filing worldwide in new countries, about oppositions and litigations: an endless learning curve.

Within this rousing work field NLO offers continuous education and equal opportunities for attorneys (and staff). “Honestly, NLO is my first patent firm. I have no comparisons. I do know quite some colleagues at other IP firms and that gives me the idea NLO is one of the most international firms in Europe, which makes it interesting and possible to learn from colleagues with all kinds of backgrounds.”

What makes a good patent attorney according to Huaizhou

A good patent attorney should master the required knowledge and at the same time communication skills. Not all skills are set in stone, but you should tick a few of the boxes below.

• You should have a solid technical background (master and preferably PhD), which is a prerequisite for this profession.
• After the training period, you should be an expert in the patent law.
• Adequate communication skills come naturally, in order to maintain good contact with clients, inventors and colleagues. Great communication skills will also help you in presenting your case to the authorities. Being a patent attorney requires to talk and listen to people.
• You have the ability to “sink in”. The work of a  patent attorney requires you to be able to study issues in great depth and provide full advice to the client.
• You are allowed to be a bit of a control freak. As an attorney, you’re responsible for many deadlines, therefore, you would like to keep an overview by yourself.

Career perspectives for patent attorneys and trainees 

Huaizhou became an Associate Partner within NLO in 2022, a great career step. If you ask Huaizhou if there is room to grow at NLO, his answer would be:

“There’s plenty of room to grow for everyone: attorneys, trainees, paralegals and all other colleagues. NLO is a big company, offering long-term career opportunities. It’s up to you to develop yourself and sculpt your own future. Especially for Patent Attorney Trainees: we are big enough for you to grow at NLO. ‘Opportunities present themselves to those who have prepared.’ You will get recognition if you are proactive, hard-working, eager to learn and creative: if you devote yourself at NLO, you will be rewarded by NLO.”

Three main advantages when you live in the Netherlands as a foreigner

Huaizhou finds the Dutch lifestyle easy to adapt to. What he had to get used to was the amount of freedom in his work. One of the “shocking” questions from his professor was, “What do you want to research in the next four years of your PHD?”, instead of telling him what to do. In the Netherlands you are allowed and also expected to be honest about your thoughts and views.

“The first advantage I found refreshing is the Dutch mentality in ‘saying what you think’. It’s nothing personal, it creates clarity. I adopted these skills and became more direct. Sharing my thoughts in a polite way suits me well. Another advantage is the work-life balance in The Netherlands. My Chinese friends often envy me, as I even have time to develop hobbies.”

According to Huaizhou, the third advantage of living and working in the Netherlands is well explained by this remarkable experience: when just arriving at Delft, straight from China, he found it hard to find his way from his Dutch home to the University. Picture Huaizhou, a Chinese student back then, walking around with a paper map and trying to find his way. He was amazed how many people jumped off their bikes and offered their help without even asking.

“The third advantage was one of the main reasons I chose to live in the Netherlands. The Dutch community is known worldwide for its openness and being an international hub. English is perfectly understood by everyone! If you consider moving abroad to work for an IP firm, please seriously consider NLO and the Netherlands!”