As a Patent Examiner, you will use your technical expertise in combination with the legal training we provide (see training section below), to assess whether patent applications comply with the requirements set out in patent legislation. This includes searching patent and scientific databases to ensure the invention is new and inventive. This means Patent Examiners are amongst the first to see new developments across a wide range of emerging technologies! The role also has a customer service element as you will correspond with patent attorneys, or directly with applicants/inventors, to resolve issues within their applications. In addition to technology-specific skills, we're looking for people who are self-driven, adaptable, committed to continuous improvement and responsive to change and feedback. Examiners must have clear, concise, and logical written and oral communication skills, and the ability to make evidence-based decisions and strong time management skills to achieve goals independently. Examiners work independently and as part of a small team to contribute to the goals of their technical section of up to 30 people. A typical examination section will consist of staff who are based all over Australia and who work in hybrid (home-based/office-based) settings. Our training program As a Patent Examiner at IP Australia, you will participate in the IP Rights Examiner Program. You'll be supported by a workplace coach through a competency-based training program to build your understanding of relevant legislation and the examination process. The program includes both virtual classroom-style training and virtual on-the-job learning. After successful completion of the training program, you will receive your Acceptance Delegation which allows you to examine patents. You will work collaboratively in a small examination team where you will search and examine patent applications and produce search and examination reports. Looking for more information? Our candidate kit contains details including the capabilities required, the contact officer, and how to apply. Please click 'Apply' to access the candidate kit. We're also hosting a virtual information session so you can hear directly from current examiners and ask any questions you have. Further information, including a registration link, can be found in the candidate kit. The key duties of the position include Using your technical knowledge to examine a Patent application and determine whether the invention is described clearly and in such a way that a skilled person would be able to use it Searching and analysing scientific literature and patent databases to make sure that the invention is new and inventive Communicating the examination outcome to the applicant and patent attorney, and considering their responses Maintaining an understanding of your responsibilities under the Work Health & Safety Act 2011 and maintaining a commitment to promoting a healthy and safe workplace Contributing to the Patents Examination Group and IP Australia to achieve our strategic goals. Before you apply, we strongly recommend you find out more about the role of a Patent Examiner on our website. We have also developed a suite of videos to help you understand what it's like to work as a Patent Examiner at IP Australia, which you can find in our candidate kit available on our Careers page.
