INTERVIEW

How did you learn about the Patent Attorney profession and what inspired you to become a (European) Patent Attorney?

I run into the patent attorney profession at the end of my PhD while exploring new career paths beyond academia. During the interview for a junior position in my current company, Bracco, an international Group active in the healthcare sector leader in diagnostic imaging with a portfolio comprising over 2100 patents, I met enthusiastic patent attorneys. They inspired me by the opportunity to deepen my knowledge in the field of intellectual property while continuing to leverage my scientific and technical skills.

Most people know that Patent Attorneys help clients obtain a patent. However, what other tasks are you responsible for? 

While most tasks are closely related to the key stages of a patent’s life cycle, being an in-house patent attorney also involves engaging in various other activities. This includes collaborating with different company departments, such as R&D within various foreign companies of the groups, business development and legal department, to achieve business goals, focusing on intellectual property matters.

What does the team structure at your workplace look like?

I am based in Italy and my team is composed globally by 10 professionals spread across different locations in the US and Europe,  as Bracco is present in more than 100 countries. The team includes a diverse range of technical backgrounds, from Life sciences, Chemistry to Engineering, ensuring all aspects of the business are effectively covered.

This variety is an added value for the company, bringing unique perspectives and expertise to every project.

What does your average workday look like?

Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, and there is not a standard template to describe the day of a patent attorney. In general, each day is dynamic and involves various stages of the patenting process. An average workday can focus on pre-filing activities like identifying potential inventions and defining IP strategies, followed by drafting and filing patent applications. Moreover, it can involve managing the prosecution phases of pending applications, interacting with Patent Offices worldwide up to patent grant.

Additionally, prior art searches and patentability and/or freedom to operate analysis are common activities of a standard workday.

Since continuous learning is essential in this field, also a regular participation in courses and seminars to stay updated on technical and legal developments must be considered.

What would a dream workday as a (European) Patent Attorney look like for you?

I love the collaborative aspect of refining patent proposals with inventors and strategizing on the best way to protect their innovations, setting the stage for a strong and valuable patent application.

What is the most exciting aspect of being a (European) Patent Attorney for you?

The most exciting aspect for me is acting as a bridge between legal and technical aspects. The EPA is a key figure in transforming an invention into something valuable for the company, turning innovative ideas into protected assets that contribute to the business’s success.

What are your least favourite tasks?

Going through 100-page prior art documents!

Does your job allow you to have time for your hobbies?

Every workday and phase of this career brings its own unique challenges, but the profession typically provides flexibility in managing projects and deadlines, which supports a healthy work-life balance. As a mother of a toddler, I find that strong time management skills are crucial to making the most of this flexibility. By effectively organizing tasks and setting priorities, I can meet work demands while still enjoying personal time for family and sports. I’m also grateful that Bracco actively supports this balance by investing in policies that promote parenting, career growth, and professional development for young talent.

If the Patent Attorney profession suddenly disappeared tomorrow, what else would you do?

I would likely leverage my scientific and technical background from years of academic research to start a career as a scientist. I would use my knowledge in IP to conduct more informed research, ensuring it addresses business needs effectively.

What advice would you give someone that wants to become a European Patent Attorney?

Becoming a European Patent Attorney is an exciting yet challenging path. EQE is a very defining stage of this career, and the initial years can feel like a roller coaster, so preparation is key. Be aware of the workload ahead, put down a plan and stick to it!

Overall, my top tips would be finding a study buddy to share this journey with and regularly consulting your supervisors for mentorship. These two factors have been (still are!) crucial in my own experience. 

Moreover, balancing work and study during this period can be demanding and may impact your personal life. I suggest sharing your study plans and objectives in advance with people living with you, close relatives and friends, as their support is vital and your working/studying routine will also affect them.

What do you think about the future outlook of our profession?

Despite of the advancements in software for patent searching and drafting, I believe patent attorneys will remain essential. These tools will boost efficiency and accuracy, but they can't replace the strategic thinking, legal expertise, and personalized advice we provide to companies, guiding them through the patenting process.