Helping to Protect Your Inventions

This article appeared in The West Briton on 09 August 2007
 
If you have an idea that you think is the mother of all inventions then you should waste no time getting your plans patented.I met Sarah Irish, trainee patent attorney and Christian Ziar, trainee trademark attorney of N J Akers & Co, Truro, to discover exactly what their jobs entail.
The firm of chartered patent attorneys and European patent and trademark attorneys offers companies from sole traders to corporations assistance with all aspects of patent and trademark protection.
Sarah said: "We help people protect their inventions. We may end up with a 15-page document detailing all specifications of the idea that need to be covered before the item is filed with the UK Intellectual Property Office."
There is so much more to the role than just filing basic invention details as intellectual property encompasses patents, industrial designs, design rights and related copyright areas, from computer software to the shape of teapots and trade marks.
Protecting an idea is a very complex business with pitfalls which need to be avoided and the aim of the patent attorney is to get total protection for their client.
Sarah began her career after attending a jobs fair at her university where she learned of the profession and it sparked her interest.
She was studying was studying for an engineering degree and as it is necessary for a patent attorney to have a technical background as it may help them understand the array of inventions they may have to deal with, she felt it was a role to look in to further.
Sarah took up her training at N J Akers, originally through the Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) graduate scheme, and she is now studying for her qualifying exams through the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys.
Any would-be patent attorney should have the aptitude to use the legal skills of drafting, analysis and logical thought and be able to use the English language succinctly in written work.
The ability to speak French and German is also desirable as patents can be dealt with on an international scale.
Along with patents, trademarks can also be protected. Trademarks are unique to a business and must not conflict with one already registered. They can range from a logo to even a smell.
Christian Ziar began his training with the company through the UCP scheme after completing his law degree.
He had taken an intellectual property module during his course and the role at the firm gave him the opportunity to return to Cornwall and work in a sector he found interesting.
Christian said: "I get to assist with a variety of clients from a large American companies to individual customers who need one-to-one help."
Trademark attorneys deal with a range of trade mark related issues, and act on their client's behalf by dealing with the registration authorities in the UK, European Union and internationally. It is vital to have a thorough grounding in UK and foreign trade mark law and practice, along with knowledge in related subjects such as industrial designs, copyright, common law and unfair competition. The qualifications required are similar to a patent attorney and both Christian and Sarah are currently undertaking their foundation level exams.
Christian and Sarah also receive on-the-job mentoring and advice from managing director Noel Akers.
This enables them to make the most of their training and to pass those all-important exams.
These trainees could be dealing with the next big thing and the company has recently assisted a Cornish inventor, Rob Kinna, with his mechanics aid, called Bak-Jak, which received financial help from the formidable BBC 2 Dragon's Den panel.
To be successful in this sector you need to have great communication skills and excellent time management as you may be required to turn around cases for tight deadlines.
It is necessary to be able to understand complex ideas and complex laws to get the best outcome for clients.
Sarah added: "You do need to be dedicated to this career.
"The exams are hard but the role is very rewarding."
If this has switched a light bulb on in your head visit www.njakers.co.uk or call 01872 266810.