Download now: life sciences - whitepaper: building an investable ip portfolio
​

National Careers Week: How I started my career in IP by Tom Swift

No items found.
​
March 5, 2021

Download PDF

Table of contents
  • Toc Heading
  • Toc Heading
No items found.

In support of National Careers Week, trainee patent attorney, Tom Swift discusses his journey into IP and gives advice to others looking to start a career in IP.

Hi Tom, what initially attracted you to a career in IP?

I have a passion for applied science and technology. I was attracted to a career in IP by the challenge and the opportunity to engage with the forefront of innovation.

Did you set out to get any specific skills/experience before starting your career?

I strived to gain experience of as broad a range of science and technology as possible. This has enabled me to work for clients across different specialisms. A key skill for IP law is drafting patents and communications; therefore, I also practiced technical writing.

How did you begin working at EIP?

Before I started at EIP I was a fellow in the physical chemistry department at the University of Bristol. I had collaborated with several local companies to deliver innovation and this inspired me to pursue a career in intellectual property. I joined EIP as a patent scientist last September.

What are some valuable technical skills you have learnt so far?

I have been fortunate to have already worked for several different clients which has enabled me to develop technical skills across a wide range of patent law. The most valuable of these skills is probably the ability to analyse third-party patents and prior art documents when considering validity, patentability, and infringement.

What did you wish you knew before you became a trainee patent attorney?

I wish that I had known that no one expects you to know everything when you start training. There is a lot to learn when training as a patent attorney, much of which can only be learnt through experience: everyone in the profession understands that.

Do you have any advice for others looking to start a career in IP?

I would recommend obtaining as much experience of IP and different IP employers as you can. It is important to find a specialism and workplace that that suits both your technical expertise and your personality. I would also suggest reading as much as you can, there are many books, articles, and even blogs on IP law. Many of these sources are well written and can contribute to your understanding of the IP profession.

If you are considering your career options, please reach out to us for a non-committal conversation about your future in IP at: careers@eip.com.

The Latest Thought Leadership pieces in the Content Hub

See all articles

No items found.
Stay in the Know

The Patent Strategist

Get expert insights and the top patent stories delivered straight to your inbox.

​
Interested in a career at EIP?

View Open Roles

Heading
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
​

Latest Insights

Showing 0 of 100
Filters
The contentious role of intellectual property in cryptographic standardisation
12 January 2026
This article explores how intellectual property rights affect the development and adoption of post-quantum cryptography standards. It highlights NIST’s proactive approach to patent licensing for new algorithms, reviews historical cases like RSA and ECC, and discusses the importance of clear IP terms for widespread cryptographic adoption.
#
Patenting
​
System architecture in quantum computing – history repeating itself?
24 December 2025
This article explores the evolution of system architecture in quantum computing, drawing parallels with the early days of classical computing. It discusses the current challenges in quantum hardware, the emergence of quantum instruction set architectures (ISAs), and the potential for a RISC vs. CISC debate similar to that in classical computing. The piece highlights opportunities for innovation and intellectual property, suggesting that the choices made now could shape the future landscape of quantum technologies and licensing.
#
Patenting
​
Strategic licensing: Turning IP into commercial value
09 December 2025
In today’s competitive landscape, effective commercial licensing strategies are essential for unlocking the full value of intellectual property. This article explores four critical pillars: understanding intellectual property as a property right, the fundamentals of licensing intellectual property rights, structuring successful joint ventures and best practices for intellectual property rights management. Whether you’re navigating new markets or scaling established innovations, these tips provide a roadmap for protecting, leveraging and maximizing your IP assets.
#
Consulting
​
The people, physics and patents of the 2025 Nobel prize
09 December 2025
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics recognised John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for proving macroscopic quantum tunnelling in electric circuits, a breakthrough that enabled quantum computing. Their pioneering research led to hundreds of patents, including innovations in MRI and quantum technology, highlighting the real-world impact of their discoveries.
#
Patenting
​
Vision 2035: The need for Innovation to meet ambitious targets set by the UK’s new critical minerals strategy
03 December 2025
The UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy 2025 sets ambitious targets to secure essential minerals for key industries by boosting domestic production, recycling, and innovation. The article highlights the vital role of intellectual property (IP) in supporting technological advances, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening the UK’s supply chains for a sustainable future.
#
Consulting
​
Research underlying Nobel prize in chemistry has sparked innovation and patent filings
02 December 2025
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognised the creators of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), innovative materials with huge potential for water harvesting, clean energy, and environmental solutions. Their work has sparked a surge in global patent activity and new industrial application.
#
Patenting
​
UKIPO fee increases from April 2026: What it means for your IP strategy
25 November 2025
Provisional and interim injunctions both refer to temporary court orders granted before a full trial, aimed at preserving the status quo or preventing harm. In UK law, “interim injunction” is the standard term, while “provisional injunction” is less common and typically used in international contexts. Both serve the same purpose: urgent relief until the case is fully heard.
#
Patenting
​
Sustainable models: content licensing for generative AI training
21 November 2025
It is fair to say that no technology in recent times has created so much excitement and controversy as generative AI, and in particular Large Language Models (LLMs). Generative AI companies and their backers have their sights on generating billions, if not trillions of dollars, directly or indirectly from their models. Models which, in the vast majority of cases, are trained on original works without permission from, or payment to, their authors. The works used for training are primarily obtained by scraping the open web, a uniquely vast repository of publicly accessible knowledge and information, constantly updated to reflect the latest developments in human knowledge and culture.
#
Consulting
​
What should you look to protect in a (bio)pharma IP strategy?
18 November 2025
#
Patenting
​
Trade Secrets: Navigating geopolitical risks and IP theft in the semiconductor industry
04 November 2025
Semiconductors have always been a critical technology but have grown significantly in strategic importance in recent years. They have become the key building block in developing and existing markets, including quantum computing, edge computing, AI, IoT, automotive, cellular data technology, smartphones, robotics, and many more. The complex designs and innovations that power semiconductor manufacturing are invaluable both to the world’s economy and technological advancement. Consequently, the semiconductor industry has found itself at the centre of geopolitical tensions, especially between the United States and China. It has become a prime target for cyberattacks and intellectual-property (IP) theft. As such, companies operating in this area must be more vigilant in protecting their intellectual assets.
#
Consulting
​
UPC takes strict approach on costs reimbursement
30 October 2025
Insulet v. EOFlow UPC_CFI_773/2025 and UPC_CFI 774/2025 (Milan CD), decision of 15 October 2025[1] The dispute began when Insulet sought a provisional injunction against EOFlow to prevent...
#
Litigation
​
UPC Considers but does not decide exhaustion of rights in relation to consumables
30 October 2025
Brita v. Aquashield UPC CFI 248/2024 (Munich LD), decision of 22 August 2025[1] UPC CFI 564/2024 (Munich LD), decision of 16 October 2025[2] Brita sued Aquashield and others for infringement of...
#
Litigation
​
Beyond Borders: A Backpacker’s Take on Why Your Patent Strategy Needs a Global Mindset
29 September 2025
In today’s interconnected world, innovation rarely stops at borders. Whether you’re a multinational corporation or a UK-based business with global ambitions, your patent strategy should reflect the reality that your products, services, and competitors operate internationally. Much like a well-travelled backpacker planning a round-the-world adventure, businesses must prepare carefully—mapping out routes, anticipating local rules, and packing what’s essential—to ensure a smooth journey.
#
Patenting
​
UPC Infringement Actions: Is Speed Meeting Expectations?
23 September 2025
The Unified Patent Court promised simplified and faster patent litigation across Europe. Two years in, we look at whether it’s delivering on that promise. For patent holders and defendants alike, the duration of infringement actions can significantly impact market strategies, investment decisions, and competitive positioning. In this article, we set out an in-depth analysis of how the court’s procedural rules are shaping the pace of litigation. By examining key milestones—from the filing of an infringement action to the issuance of a final judgment—we assess whether the UPC is delivering on its promise of efficiency.
#
Litigation
​
Emerging Practice Points from the UPC
02 September 2025
We have been keeping a close eye on the decisions coming out of the UPC and as the court starts to establish itself a number of practice points are starting to emerge.
#
Litigation
​