ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

European Patent Office Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Abbott

Senior Counsel - IP (AI)

Alameda, CA · On-site

$172K - $344K/yr

S., experience with adversarial USPTO and/or European Patent Office proceedings, patent litigation experience and transactional experience are preferred. Core job responsibilities include: * In close ...

Aptar Group

IP Senior Legal Attorney

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

Support or oversee patent prosecution, office action responses, invention disclosure review, and ... Patent attorney, patent agent, European Patent Attorney, or equivalent IP/patent professional ...

Aptar Group

IP Senior Legal Attorney

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

Support or oversee patent prosecution, office action responses, invention disclosure review, and ... Patent attorney, patent agent, European Patent Attorney, or equivalent IP/patent professional ...

Aptar Group

IP Legal Attorney

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

Support patent prosecution, office action responses, invention disclosure review, and related ... Patent attorney, patent agent, European Patent Attorney, or equivalent IP/patent professional ...

Aptar Group

IP Legal Attorney

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

Support patent prosecution, office action responses, invention disclosure review, and related ... Patent attorney, patent agent, European Patent Attorney, or equivalent IP/patent professional ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office ... as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Stratford, WI · Hybrid

Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office ... as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Columbus, OH · Hybrid

Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office ... as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Sandusky, OH · Hybrid

Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office ... as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Madera, CA · Hybrid

Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office ... as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Kingston, NY · Hybrid

Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office ... as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Erlanger, KY · Hybrid

Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office ... as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Shelton, CT · Hybrid

Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office ... as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Riverside, CA · Hybrid

Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office ... as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Lakeland, FL · Hybrid

Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office ... as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Cleveland, OH · Hybrid

Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office ... as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office ... as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsLegal JobsEuropean Patent Office Jobs

European Patent Office information

See salary details

$57K

$115.5K

$169K

How much do european patent office jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for european patent office in the United States is $115,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the European Patent Office?

The European Patent Office (EPO) is an international organization responsible for examining and granting European patents. It operates under the European Patent Convention and enables inventors and companies to obtain patent protection in up to 44 European countries with a single application. The EPO is not an EU institution and its headquarters are in Munich, Germany, with branch offices in The Hague, Berlin, Vienna, and Brussels. The EPO plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and protecting intellectual property across Europe.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a European Patent Office patent examiner?

To thrive as a European Patent Office Patent Examiner, you generally need a science or engineering degree, analytical skills, and a strong command of English, French, or German. Familiarity with patent databases, search tools, and intellectual property management systems is typically required, and additional training or certifications in IP law are advantageous. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear written communication are crucial soft skills for evaluating applications and drafting legal documents. These competencies ensure accurate examination, uphold patent quality, and maintain the integrity of the European patent system.

What are common challenges faced by patent examiners at the European Patent Office, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Patent examiners at the European Patent Office (EPO) often face the challenge of analyzing complex technical documents in multiple languages and ensuring that patent applications meet strict legal and procedural requirements. The workload can be demanding, with tight deadlines and the need to stay updated on the latest technological developments. Candidates can prepare by strengthening their analytical and language skills, familiarizing themselves with the European Patent Convention, and developing the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within diverse, multicultural teams.

What is the difference between European Patent Office vs Patent Examiner?

AspectEuropean Patent OfficePatent Examiner
CredentialsLegal and technical qualifications, patent law expertiseTechnical degree, patent law knowledge often required
Work EnvironmentInternational, office-based, collaborativeGovernment agency, office-based, detailed review
Industry UsagePatent law, intellectual property managementPatent prosecution, examination process

European Patent Office and Patent Examiner roles both involve patent law and technical expertise. The EPO oversees patent applications across Europe, while Patent Examiners work within patent offices to review and assess patent applications. Both require technical backgrounds and knowledge of patent procedures, but the EPO is a broader organization focusing on patent policy and international cooperation, whereas Patent Examiners are involved in the day-to-day examination process.

How to become a European patent agent?

To become a European patent agent, candidates typically need a scientific or technical degree, pass the European qualifying examination, and gain relevant experience in patent law or patent drafting. Fluency in English and knowledge of European patent procedures are also essential. Certification is granted by the European Patent Office after meeting these requirements.

What do you need to work at the European Patent Office?

To work at the European Patent Office, candidates typically need relevant educational qualifications such as a degree in law, engineering, or science, along with language skills in English and at least one other official EPO language. Professional experience in patent law, technical fields, or patent examination is often required, and knowledge of patent procedures and tools is beneficial. Additionally, candidates must meet security and background check requirements and may need to pass specific assessments or interviews.
More about European Patent Office jobs

What job categories do people searching European Patent Office jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for European Patent Office jobs are:

European Patent Office jobs near you
Infographic showing various European Patent Office job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,452 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Senior Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property

Formlabs

Somerville, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

IP Counsel
Department: Legal
Location: Somerville, MA (on-site)
About Formlabs:
Do you want to change how the world creates?
At Formlabs, we're building the tools that make it possible for anyone to bring their ideas to life, from cutting-edge products to life-saving medical devices. Our 3D printing technology powers innovation at more than 50,000 industry leaders worldwide, including Apple, Google, Tesla, New Balance, and NASA. Together, we're helping everyone design, prototype, and manufacture faster than ever before.
We're a team of hands-on builders, engineers, and innovators reinventing how the world makes physical things. If you're ready to shape the future of fabrication, come build it with us.
Your Impact:
This role owns strategy for our patent portfolio by building the metrics to inform a global strategy. You'll work closely with R&D and inventors who create new technologies to guide our future growth. Additionally, we operate as a lean legal team, so there is an exciting opportunity to expand your scope beyond IP work and advise business leaders globally on other areas of the law, such as corporate, commercial, employment law, and general litigation matters.
What You'll Do:
  • Own patent portfolio value, not just volume: build the metrics and criteria that determine what Formlabs patents, maintains, or cuts, and track cost against actual competitive value.
  • Set global patent strategy across the U.S. and internationally, weighing where protection is worth pursuing given Formlabs' cross-border risk.
  • Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and international patent offices, including the European Patent Office (EPO) and the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).
  • Run freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses, patentability assessments, and portfolio risk reviews to keep Formlabs building on solid ground.
  • Partner directly with R&D to catch patentable inventions early, before they're buried in a lab notebook.
  • Manage outside counsel across prosecution, opinions, and any disputes, keeping cost and quality in check.
  • Support IP litigation, opposition proceedings, and enforcement when they come up.
  • Step outside the patent portfolio to pitch in on key manufacturing, vendor, and supplier agreements, as well as other strategic commercial contracts.
  • Pick up other generalist legal matters as they surface, from trade compliance to general litigation support, so the legal team can work collaboratively and best support any area of the business that needs our help.

About You:
  • J.D. and admission to at least one state bar, plus registration to practice before the USPTO (patent bar).
  • Undergraduate degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field. You need to be able to read a claim chart and the underlying spec without a translator.
  • Deep expertise in U.S. patent law, plus working knowledge of major international patent systems; experience with trademark and trade secret law.
  • A track record in patent drafting, prosecution, and portfolio management, ideally where you can point to real decisions you made about what to file and what not to file.
  • At least 3 years at a top-tier law firm focused on patent work.
  • While you index on patent work, you're excited about an expanded scope to learn to operate as a generalist, taking on whatever tasks the business requires. You thrive in an "every day is different" environment, and you enjoy the challenge of figuring out novel problems as they arise.
  • Comfortable working independently in a fast-moving, global company where you're juggling more than one live priority at a time.

Bonus Skills:
  • In-house legal experience at a hardware or hard-tech company.
  • Experience with Chinese manufacturing operations.
  • Experience with matters before the EPO and CNIPA.
  • Experience with global copyright law, commercial transactions, and licensing agreements.

Our Benefits & Perks:
  • Robust equity program to build future wealth through RSUs
  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  • 401K matching and access to financial advisors
  • Generous paid Parental Leave (up to 16 weeks)
  • Tenure-based paid Sabbatical Leave (up to 6 weeks)
  • Flexible Out of Office Plan - Take time when you need it
  • Ample on-site parking & pre-tax commuter benefits
  • Healthy on-site lunches, snacks, beverages, & treats
  • Regular sponsored professional development opportunities
  • Many opt-in culture events across our diverse community
  • And of course... unlimited 3D prints

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Even if you don't check every box, but see yourself contributing, please apply. Help us build an inclusive community that will change the face of 3D printing.
Compensation
We are all owners of Formlabs and direct beneficiaries of our success. We believe that equity is a critical component of compensation at Formlabs, and we want our newest team members to understand the potential value of their equity compensation. Full time employees receive equity, in the form of RSUs. Your financial investment will grow with us in accordance to your impact.
At Formlabs, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. Your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, location and expected impact on the organization.
The hourly base pay range for this role is:
$150,000-$225,000 USD

Apply