Do you want to combine your technical background with legal training? Become a patent attorney at NLO!

• You have a passion for technology
• You are a problem solver and inquisitive by nature
• You enjoy contributing to the solution of complex projects

What will you do as a Trainee Patent Attorney?

Work on a daily basis

As a trainee patent attorney, you will grow - under the intensive supervision of an experienced patent attorney - into an independent consultant for innovative organisations. You will immediately start working in the field and simultaneously attend the patent attorney training course. Thanks to your expertise in Engineering, Physics, Electronics, Materialscience or Metallurgy and your developed legal skills, you will be able to properly advise clients on their intellectual property. You actively support them in managing and developing their patent portfolio. You will be involved in all aspects: from patent application to possible defence.

From day one, you will participate fully in the team and work for national and international clients. During your traineeship you’ll receive guidance from your colleagues. You will work in an international environment and it is possible to take part in various projects within NLO (Artificial Intelligence working group, social responsibility working group, etc.).

How do you become a Trainee Patent Attorney?

Training & education

The journey to becoming a Patent Attorney is a structured four-year path that begins with a 100-day onboarding program and participation in the NLO Academy, where trainees build soft skills and get to know the company. In the first year, Dutch-speaking trainees start the Dutch patent training (SBO), while international trainees focus on the European track, preparing for the Foundation Exam. The second year involves intensive Dutch exams and the start of European modules M1 and M2. In the third year, trainees take the M1 and M2 exams and begin training for the final European modules, M3 and M4. After three years of experience and passing all the Dutch exams you will be a Qualified Dutch patent attorney. The fourth year culminates in the final exams, and upon passing, trainees are officially registered as European Patent Attorneys.

Are you the Trainee Patent Attorney we are looking for?

Competencies and skills

Apart from a completed Master or PhD in the field of Engineering, Physics, Electronics, Materialscience or Metallurgy

• You like to dive deep into different technical issues;
• You like interacting with clients, giving advice/assistance;
• You are solution-oriented and do not think in terms of problems;
• You are fluent in English in word and writing. A good command of Dutch is a plus.

Your terms of employment - what do we offer?

Your terms of employment are excellent:

• full-time job of 38.75 hours;
• monthly salary of € 3,600 - € 5,100;
• attractive bonus scheme;
• good pension scheme;
• individual learning & development budget
• mobility allowance (it’s possible to have a lease car after the 1st year);
• hybrid working, including facilitated home working environment.
• you can work in our office in The Hague, Ede or Eindhoven

Working at NLO

At NLO, your colleagues come from all over the world. Thanks to colleagues from more than 20 different cultural backgrounds, diversity creates an international atmosphere that is enhanced by the international orientation of your work.

Do you want to know more what it's like to work in the world of intellectual property? Our NLO employees share their stories about working at NLO. View their stories and experiences. Learn more about NLO

Start your professional future as a Trainee Patent Attorney at NLO

To apply click on the “apply” button above or below this vacancy. Send your application including a motivation letter and CV in English before 31th of August 2025. The selection process will start first week of September.

If you have any questions, you can contact our recruiter Theres Akesson: +31 (0)70-331 25 00 or careers@nlo.eu.