Patent Assistant

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organised Patent Assistant to support our Engineering/IT Patents team. Patent Assistants provide administrative support for patent processes, preparing legal documents, and maintaining records. This role requires strong administrative skills, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative, team focussed approach. 

The work is varied, interesting and challenging, giving you the opportunity to expand your knowledge in Intellectual Property and gain valuable skills.

Key responsibilities

• Diarising, acknowledging, preparing and filing patent applications in New Zealand and overseas
• Preparing standard letters for reporting to clients and drafting responses to IPONZ and IP Australia
• Ordering and/or downloading documents from, and liaising with IPONZ or IP Australia
• Completing forms for updating information relating to clients and patent filings into AJP systems and checking these details are correct
• Checking Notices of Acceptance
• Attorney inbox management, triaging, filtering messages and acting on instructions.
• Preparing client invoices, including entering time and standard charges
• Reviewing file charges and maintaining up to date billing processes
• Maintaining AJ Park reminder system for upcoming deadlines, managing and prioritising all filing deadlines and commitments
• Arranging meetings and client visits
• Other administrative requirements as requested

Key Skills

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in a law firm or in-house Intellectual Property team
• Proficiency using databases (patent databases would be an advantage)
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite) and experience with legal document formatting
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Experience with foreign patent filings and international patent law would be advantageous, as would an understanding of patent prosecution, including PCT and national phase filings

What’s in it for you?

We offer rewarding careers to talented individuals, competitive salaries, and a holistic range of benefits to support your life balance, whatever your circumstance. These include:

• Annual paid Wellbeing Benefit
• An array of additional wellness benefits such as free confidential counselling services, access to our Wellbeing portal with an extensive range of advice and resources, free flu vaccinations and subsidised sporting events
• Flexible leave options, including the ability to purchase additional annual leave
• Gender-neutral support for all stages of the parental journey - check us out on the GoCrayon Parental Leave Register
• Paid time off for volunteering and involvement in citizenship activities
• Hybrid working across a mix of office, client and remote, and the option of flexible working. This recognises that our people have individual circumstances and preferences when it comes to where, when and how they work
• The ability to work from overseas and extend time connecting with friends and family outside of New Zealand
• Professional development offerings across all career levels
• An invitation to join your local office social club and enjoy events aimed at bringing people together
• Beautifully renovated offices in a central city location, close to transport hubs

We believe that diversity of background and experience strengthens relationships and delivers meaningful benefits to our people, clients and communities. Our goal is to be recognised as an employer of choice for all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, generation, flexible work status, family circumstances, sexual orientation or disability. If you have access needs and require support or adjustments to participate equitably in the recruitment process, please contact Emma Wood ((04) 474 0886 or emma.wood@ajpark.com).

Who are we?

We are not your typical law firm. We dress for our day, have a flat structure and a collegial environment where bringing your whole self to work is at the heart of who we are.

AJ Park is the IP Firm of choice in New Zealand. We support our clients with intelligent action and are well respected both within the patent profession and the clients we work with.

Recruitment Agencies: The recruitment for this role is being managed directly by the AJ Park Careers Team. We will contact our preferred agency partners if we require agency assistance. Thank you for your understanding.