Patent Secretary

About Spruson & Ferguson

Spruson & Ferguson is one of the leading intellectual property (IP) service firms operating in the Asia-Pacific region. We have more than 130 years of experience providing a variety of services in the protection, commercialisation, enforcement and management of IP from our offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Melbourne, Singapore and Sydney. Our multidisciplinary team of more than 480 people includes some of the most highly regarded IP professionals in the Asia-Pacific region. The team services a diverse client base of Fortune Global 500 companies, SMEs, public sector research organisations, foreign associates and local clients.

Spruson & Ferguson is a subsidiary of IPH Limited, the first IP services group to list on the ASX.

About the role 

An exciting opportunity is available for an accurate, motivated and reliable Patent Secretary with 2+ years' experience to join our team in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane on a full-time basis. The successful candidate will provide secretarial and administrative support to attorneys in the Engineering/ICT patent team with a focus on assisting them in managing their practices in an efficient and effective manner.

The key responsibilities for this role include:

• Assisting in the maintenance of your allocated attorney’s practice, ensuring a high standard of client service and quality work;
• Diary management including monitoring deadlines and workflow; 
• Liaising with clients and associates on behalf of attorneys;
• Preparation of invoices and uploading of documents into client portals;
• Drafting and preparing basic correspondence;
• Producing, amending and preparing documents for lodgement; and
• Conducting document research and/or obtaining status reports through IP databases and IP Australia. 

Spruson & Ferguson is committed to creating a flexible work environment and we are offering hybrid work options for this position. We welcome individuals who are looking to work in a flexible and collaborative environment.

Skills and experience

To be considered for this position, candidates will have:

• At least 2+ years' experience as a secretary or similar type role within intellectual property or professional services;
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Intermediate level) particularly Word and Outlook;
• Computer literate and able to learn new systems and implement new processes effectively; 
• Excellent attention to detail with a high level of accuracy;
• Well-developed organisation and time management skills with the ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Very reliable and demonstrates initiative;
• Demonstrates a proactive attitude with a keen interest in professional learning, growth and development;
• The ability to problem-solve; and
• The ability to collaborate with staff members to ensure individual and shared goals are met to a high standard with minimal supervision. 

What we offer

Spruson & Ferguson offers a wide range of benefits aimed at supporting our employee’s ongoing development, including but not limited to:

• A flexible work environment including working from home; 
• A supportive team-based environment with learning and development opportunities;
• Health and well-being programs; and
• Paid parental leave for all genders. 

Spruson & Ferguson is committed to promoting and maintaining a workplace culture of shared respect to enable us all to feel valued and be the best we can be. 

How to apply

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals from diverse backgrounds. We remain committed to providing reasonable and fair adjustments to provide a positive, barrier free, transparent recruitment process and supportive workplace.  

If this role sounds like a great fit, apply now with your updated resume and cover letter introducing yourself and why this role is right for you.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly.