Trade Mark Examiner or Designs Examiner

Apply before 11:55pm on Monday 26th January 2026Job summaryPleasenote: Applicants should review all aspects of this advert to ensure a thorough understanding. If reviewing via a screen reader, please note that the Job summary, Job description, Person specification, Benefits and Things you need to know sections have been emphasised

Trade Mark Examiner or Designs Examiner

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is the UK government body for Intellectual Property rights, including patents, designs, trade marks, and copyright. Our mission is to support economic growth by providing an IP system that fosters creativity and innovation.

Trade Mark and Designs Examiner roles are central to our Services Directorate. You’ll receive comprehensive in-house training on the legal framework for registered IP rights.

The IPO offers excellent development opportunities and holds the Gold standard: Investors in People award.

Flexibility is key. Successful candidates will be appointed to a role based on business needs. While both positions offer similar opportunities, your placement will depend on organisational priorities at the time of appointment.

The vacancies are fixed term appointments for 2 years with a chance of permanency.

Job descriptionMain duties consist of but are not limited to:

As a Trade Mark or Designs Examiner, you’ll assess applications under UK IP legislation, ensuring compliance with legal standards. Key responsibilities include:

• Applying legislation and case law to determine registrability
• Writing clear examination reports and guiding customers through the process
• Handling objections and evaluating supporting evidence
• Managing your workload and making informed decisions
• Continuous learning and contributing to service improvements

Person specificationEssential Criteria

• Strong analytical, research, and decision-making skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Customer-focused, adaptable, and open to feedback
• Good digital literacy

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,952, Intellectual Property Office contributes £8,677 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• A flexible working scheme with excellent development opportunities
• 25 days annual leave moving to 30 days in annual increments (1 day per year) over 5 years of reckonable service. You will also get 8 days public leave and 1 day privilege leave
• Family friendly policies that support modern working families and individuals with caring responsibilities
• A variety of support functions; Staff Counselling Service, Peer to Peer Support Group
• Eligibility for special and office-wide bonus payments
• The opportunity to form part of our many inclusive network groups, find out more by looking at Intellectual Property Office (IPO) (diversityjobsgroup.com)
• A range of wellbeing initiatives; Onsite Gym (Newport office), Eye Care Scheme, Volunteering Programme, Cycling facilities
• Free car parking is available on site at our Newport office
• On-site shop, restaurant and coffee shop at our Newport office