Legal Counsel - Intellectual Property

Overview

The Counsel / Patent Attorney, Intellectual Property (IP) is responsible for supporting one or more technology portfolios within the Waters Advanced Diagnostics division. This role contributes to global patent portfolio development, invention harvesting, patent prosecution activities, and early‑stage IP risk assessments.  The role is based out of the company’s Wilmslow, UK, office.The individual collaborates closely with R&D, product management, engineering, and senior IP counsel to support innovation pipelines and ensure development of strong, high‑quality patent rights. Operating with appropriate guidance, the role develops foundational expertise in Waters’ technologies and business strategy while providing timely, practical, and well‑reasoned IP support across assigned portfolios.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Invention Harvesting & Portfolio Support

• Partner with R&D teams to identify inventive concepts across assigned technologies.
• Conduct inventor interviews, prepare invention disclosure materials, and contribute to portfolio‑building strategies.
• Assist in mapping inventions to business priorities, technology roadmaps, and competitive landscapes.

Patent Drafting & Prosecution

• Prepare invention disclosures, manage outside counsel on drafting and prosecution, draft applications and prosecution responses, and ensure high‑quality, timely filings aligned with portfolio strategies.
• Support global prosecution activities, including responding to office actions, reviewing examiner communications, and preparing prosecution summaries.

IP Research & Analysis

• Conduct prior‑art searches, patent landscape analyses, and competitor monitoring activities.
• Assist with freedom‑to‑operate assessments and preliminary risk analyses for new products and technologies.
• Prepare research summaries and recommendations for senior IP attorneys.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with technical teams, product managers, and portfolio leaders to embed IP considerations early in development cycles.
• Support IP education, training, and awareness efforts across business divisions.
• Develop strong working relationships with inventors and technical subject‑matter experts.

Operational & Process Support

• Maintain accurate records in IP databases and portfolio management systems.
• Assist in improving workflows, templates, and processes related to portfolio management and invention harvesting.
• Prepare IP reporting materials, patent portfolio overviews, and data summaries for internal stakeholders.

Leadership Expectations

Competence

• Applies proficiency in patent drafting, prosecution, and IP analysis.
• Demonstrates strong technical aptitude and ability to learn Waters’ technologies.
• Maintains accuracy, organization, and attention to detail across all workflows.
• Recognizes issues requiring escalation and seeks guidance appropriately.

Courage

• Demonstrates curiosity, initiative, and willingness to tackle new challenges.
• Raises questions, identifies potential risks, and contributes ideas to improve processes.
• Adapts to ambiguity and evolving business needs with a learning mindset.
• Builds confidence in offering preliminary assessments based on sound research.

Compassion

• Builds respectful, collaborative relationships with inventors, colleagues, and legal partners.
• Communicates clearly and professionally, tailoring messages to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Demonstrates reliability, integrity, and transparency in daily interactions.
• Contributes positively to a culture of inclusion, accountability, and shared purpose.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

• Newly qualified European Patent Attorney (1-3 years PQE).
• A degree in a relevant technical subject, e.g., chemistry, biology, biochemistry or related areas).
• Strong technical aptitude and interest in diagnostic technologies.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organization skills.

Leadership Attributes

• Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and commitment to high‑quality work.
• Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively across teams.
• Shows strong situational awareness; receptive to feedback and coaching.
• Learns quickly, exercises sound judgment within assigned scope, and strives for continuous improvement.
• Contributes to an inclusive, collaborative, and mission‑aligned team culture.

In addition to salary, we work flexibly and provide 25 days holidays, excellent family friendly benefits such as attractive employer pension contribution, life assurance, income protection and private medical. With Waters, there are plenty of opportunities for you to grow, develop and contribute.