Do you have a passion for innovation?

• You have an affinity with mechanics, electronics and software
• You are known for your creative eye during complex projects
• You are investigative by nature

What you will be doing as a Trainee Patent Attorney

As a patent attorney, you play an important role in bringing innovation to the market. Thanks to the combination of your technical expertise and your legal skills, you deal with varied patent issues at national and international clients. Every day you explore different topics for a wide variety of clients.

From the beginning of your training you will be actively involved in the day to day business of NLO. Including drafting patent applications, handling patent prosecution, providing freedom-to-operate advice and attending client meetings. Support will be provided by both your mentor and other experienced attorneys within your team. With time and experience you will take over clients from colleagues and increasingly work independently to manage and expand your client portfolio.

How to become a Trainee Patent Attorney? Training & education

You don’t just become an attorney; training is required. You will be trained as a Dutch and European Patent Attorney. You will be enrolled on external training programs as well as on our in-house NLO Academy training course. During your training period, which runs over a period of three years, we will develop your legal knowledge along with practical and soft skills, and you will meet colleagues from all our offices in the Netherlands and Belgium. NLO is not your average intellectual property firm and we pride ourselves in giving all our colleagues excellent personnel and professional development whilst providing a healthy work-life balance.

Are you the Trainee Patent Attorney we are looking for?

You have completed a university degree and obtained a Masters and/or PhD and work experience in the field of engineering or similar. In addition, we require that you:

• have the interest in working with inventions within engineering and software domains;
• are able to operate in an intellectually demanding and at times pressurised environment;
• are socially confident and flexible in attitude and approach;
• are a team player and have an inquisitive nature;
• master the Dutch as well as the English language, both spoken and written;
• are willing to work at our office in Ghent at least two days per week.

Your working conditions - what do we offer?

Your terms of employment are excellent:

• fulltime position of 38 hours/week;
• a monthly salary of € 3000 - € 4500, which will increase significantly with qualification;
• an attractive bonus arrangement;
• extra-legal benefits;
• various training and education opportunities;
• flexible working structure, which includes a combination of working at the office and from home.

The position is possible both in Ghent and Mechelen, as long as you work at least two days a week at the office in Ghent.

Working at NLO

At NLO your colleagues come from all over the world. With over 20 different cultural backgrounds, connecting, inclusivity and creating equal opportunities is daily business within NLO. Diversity creates an international atmosphere, strengthened by the international orientation of your work.

NLO’s (trainee) patent attorneys Francesca and Slavisa share their story of working at NLO. View their stories and experiences. Read more about NLO: an established name in the world of Intellectual Property (IP).

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.

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