Dr Kevin Tipping - Trainee Patent Attorney

Academic Background: I hold a first class honours degree in biochemistry and a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology, both from the University of Leeds.

Can you tell us a little bit about your job role? In a nutshell, my job entails protecting people's inventions to help them reap the benefit of their innovations. The main way this is achieved is by filing and securing patents.

The day-to-day work is very varied, and can range from meeting inventors one minute to drafting patents the next. It's a very collaborative profession; a fair amount of time is spent liaising with foreign attorneys to obtain global patent protection for client's inventions. There's also a healthy dose of debate, with regular arguments with patent offices, and even advocacy, particularly when the validity of a client's patent is attacked by a rival company.

What are the best parts of your job? The variety! No two days are ever the same.  I'm also very lucky to work with people who are incredibly passionate about their work.  The blend of cutting edge science, law and commerce is also very unique to this profession.

What are the worst parts of your job? Exams! The route to qualification is brutal and definitely not for the faint-hearted. It takes a minimum of four years and more than a dozen exams to fully qualify as a UK and European Patent Attorney. It can take several attempts to pass them all.

What advice would you give to postdocs looking to get a similar role?  Try before you buy - the life of a patent attorney is not for everyone.  Plenty of firms now offer internships or open days, giving you a chance to sample life from the inside.  And if you do decide its for you, apply to as many firms as you can!  Demand outstrips supply in this profession, so its important not to put all your eggs in one basket.  And don't forget to show off your human qualities.  Having a quality academic background is a given, so firms are looking for people who can work harmoniously with others and engage pro-actively with clients - don't be afraid to highlight your life away from the lab!