During the summer of 2023 our Careers in Ideas team coordinated a programme of outreach activities and events, under the Summer of IP banner. They included introductions to the basics about IP and the careers available here, some more specific events to showcase particular types of career, and opportunities such as taster sessions and work experience placements from IP sector employers.
I first learned about Reddie & Grose’s taster day through IP Inclusive, an initiative I deeply appreciate for its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusiveness (ED&I) in the intellectual property profession. It is a topic that has resonated with me since I began my academic journey abroad in the UK to study physics. I have been pleased to witness the growing awareness paving towards my dream career as a patent attorney, given its strong ties to STEM disciplines.
Stepping into the event on the morning of August 23, I was immediately struck by Reddie & Grose’s warm welcome in every detail: we were each provided with a name stand; all my fellow participants and speakers from the firm sat around a table, which allowed me to make eye contact with everyone in the room. This thoughtful touch created a strong sense of inclusiveness, making me feel completely comfortable to listen, share and trust. The warm welcome I received set a positive start for the day ahead, making me eager to engage with the upcoming presentations and conversations.
Xiaoying (Grace) Tang
Every speaker who shared their experience on the day not only delivered introductory slide presentations; they openly blended their insights with their personal journeys. From trainees sharing their training experiences to partners expressing their attraction to the profession, as well as engaging in technical discussions, everyone I encountered was approachable and friendly, fostering an environment where everyone felt “reachable”. This was a testament to Reddie & Grose’s commitment to inclusiveness and highlighted the diverse backgrounds and journeys that had brought their staff into this profession, which I believe also inspired everyone in the room.
I gained the most valuable insights from the interactive session on claim writing. The associates from Reddie & Grose took us on an exciting journey through the patent prosecution process: we began with a seemingly trivial case about paracetamol, which later built up to a discussion of a recent case which reached the Board of Appeal regarding “plausibility”. This discussion inspired me with a new understanding of the complexity and precision that underlie each patent case, further deepening my appreciation for this field.
Participating in the Summer of IP event undeniably encouraged me to pursue a career in intellectual property. Both the application process and training path for a trainee patent attorney position were explained clearly and accessibly using a roadmap with well-defined milestones by Reddie & Grose. This structured approach has significantly reduced the initial uncertainties about entering this profession and provided more reassurance and confidence about progressing and succeeding in the career, despite coming from a different background.
Our thanks to all the IP professionals and organisations who helped to make Summer of IP a success, and in particular to Reddie & Grose for organising and hosting the taster day that Xiaoying attended.
