Are you in the front row of innovation and invention development?

• You are a versatile scientist or engineer having an affinity with and interest in (electro)mechanics, engineering for various sectors (chemical processing, food, building & utilities).
• Knowledge of software and automation is a plus.
• A strong basic chemistry knowledge is a plus
• 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 with national and international clients. Every day you explore different topics for a wide variety of clients.

From day one you will be actively involved in the day to day business. You advise inventors, heads of research, in-house attorneys and commercial leaders. You help them protect their inventions, knowledge and intellectual property. You actively support them managing and developing their patent portfolio. Within your team, you will get guidance from highly experienced attorneys.

How to become a Trainee Patent Attorney? Training & education

You don’t just become an attorney; training is required. We offer professional patent attorney training courses. The extensive course generally involves one day a week, for three years, which is sponsored by NLO. In addition you are part of the NLO Academy. Together with all NLO trainees, you follow a varied program throughout the year. You will develop legal knowledge, communication skills and practical skills. You will meet new colleagues in all NLO offices and share your experiences with likeminded trainees.

Are you the Trainee Patent Attorney we are looking for?

Besides having completed a Master’s degree or a PhD in the field of engineering or similar, you:

• have work experience or interest in working with inventions within engineering domains;
• want to get to the bottom of things;
• are stress tolerant and able to manage several projects at the same time;
• master the English language, and preferably Dutch, 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:

• Full-time position of 38 hours;
• An attractive bonus arrangement;
• Extra-legal benefits;
• Various training and education opportunities.

Hybrid work is the new normal: working from home is offered up to two days per week.

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.

A few of our biggest assets are exchanging knowledge and developing our expertise. “A life full of learning” suits NLO like a glove. That’s why NLO encourages your personal and professional growth. We offer you training, education and promote a healthy work-life balance.

NLO’s (trainee) patent attorneys Dietmar, Erika and Marc 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 Dutch or English. See our website for an overview of our application process.

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