Job Purpose and Summary

Canon Europe are looking for a European Patent Attorney, in this role you will be providig high-quality, timely, flexible and cost-efficient patent services including drafting, filing, prosecution, opposition, appeals and freedom to operate searching.  

Filing and prosecution of Canon Inc (CINC) originating European, UK, and foreign patent applications. Includes participation in UK Intellectual Property Office hearings and oral proceedings at the European Patent Office.

Technologies include medical imaging, image sensor technologies, camera lenses, user interfaces, video systems, digital standards, image processing, control systems, multi-function printer solutions. Increasingly our innovations involve the use of AI technologies applied to imaging software and hardware.

This will include liaising with patent engineers in Japan to coordinate prosecution strategies in the UK And Europe. The European patent prosecution work may also include EPO Appeals.

Patent support for digital standardization work carried out by Canon Research France (CRF). This is a growth area for Canon. Relevant technologies include video coding (HEVC/VVC), video streaming (MPEG-DASH), wireless communications (5G and Wi-Fi 802.11) and connected vehicles.

You will have the opportunity to work directly with the engineers at CRF to draft, file and prosecute patent applications which target features of digital standards. This includes guiding the prosecution of these applications in many countries across the world.
The role may also include provision of patent services to Canon group members e.g. Milestone (network video software solutions), NT-ware (cloud print solutions), Therefore (document management software), IRIS (OCR technologies), or Arcules (cloud based video analysis).

This work is wide ranging in scope and can include everything from invention harvesting, through drafting and prosecution, to freedom to operate, licensing, and enforcement. This may include handling of negotiations and disputes with third parties. Additionally, advice or support or advice in relation to general IP matters may be required. This may involve some travel, predominantly within Europe.
Support and help develop a culture of continuous technological innovation to enable a relevant group company to build valuable patent portfolios. This may include the provision of IP training for or developing existing IP processes of group companies.

Engagement with internal CPD activities (internal education seminars).

This work is wide ranging in scope and can include everything from invention harvesting, through drafting and prosecution, to freedom to operate, licensing, and enforcement. This may include handling of negotiations and disputes with third parties. Additionally, advice or support or advice in relation to general IP matters may be required. This may involve some travel, predominantly within Europe.
Support and help develop a culture of continuous technological innovation to enable a relevant group company to build valuable patent portfolios. This may include the provision of IP training for or developing existing IP processes of group companies.

What we give

With Canon, you'll get the support and encouragement you need to grow, from people who share your ambition. We'll invest in your professional development to help you learn and progress in your role with us. You'll find leaders who give you the freedom to explore new things and a team where knowledge is shared openly.

At Canon we have a clear vision: to be committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable culture where employees are valued and can thrive personally and professionally.

Canon also has a strong commitment to sustainability, encompassed by our Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, focused on reducing our environmental impact and creating opportunities to make positive social contribution.

Here are some of the benefits we offer at Canon to support our employee’s wellbeing: 

Annual Bonus and annual pay reviewHybrid working - 3 days in the office and 2 days from home. Flexible core hours – starting anytime between 07:30am and 10am and finishing any time after 16:00, providing the standard 7.5 hours have been worked.Minimum of 25 days of personal holiday per year with up to 5 days of available holiday purchaseGenerous Pension SchemePrivate Healthcare and wider medical planUp to 38% Discount on Canon productsFlexible benefits policyFree parking on siteExcellent Subsidized restaurantHighly Subsidised Costa Coffee on siteMulti-Faith roomDiscounted rates at Nuffield Health GymPartnership with Mental Health First Aid UK with a network of mental health championsGreat transport links- Elizabeth Line and Stockley Park low-cost Shuttle BusLearning & Development Opportunities 

You will be part of an energetic and innovative environment with more than 50 different nationalities at our state-of-the-art EMEA HQ at Stockley Park, Uxbridge.

What we ask

Minimum of a university degree in a technical subject.Fully or part qualified European and UK patent attorneyRelevant working experience as a patent engineer or attorney, for example in a private practice or an in-house patent departmentExperience or interest in digital standards and/or standard essential patents work would be advantageousSome knowledge of AI technologies and patent law preferred but not essentialSome experience or knowledge of foreign (non-UK/EP) patent prosecution preferredStrong analytical and organisational skillsExcellent attention to detail and accuracy essentialAbility to understand business needs and riskAbility to analyse and adapt processes in order to improve efficiency and minimise riskStrong IT skills, including in Microsoft applications, particularly MS Excel and MS AccessTime management skills to balance multiple concurrent tasks/projectsAbility to work independentlyAbility to think outside the boxAbility to supervise others workloadIn addition to relevant local language(s), proficiency in English at working level required; where English is local language, proficiency in 2nd European language preferred

You will need

- Apply High Standards of Accuracy
- Communicate Effectively
- Create Insight
- Focus on the Customer
- Respond Flexibly

Further Information

Canon Europe champions hybrid working as follows (3 days office / 2 days remote) coupled with a flexible core hours policy. You will be part of an energetic and innovative environment with more than fifty different nationalities! Lastly, you will find that Canon encourages continuous Learning and Development with a wide range of resources and support available on demand.

Does this seem like a great fit for your career expectations? We are excited to hear from you!

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Canon is an equal opportunity employer. Canon recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status or other protected status as required by law.