Grow together in a world full of innovation

EP&C Belgium is growing and we would like you to help us shape this growth. We are looking for a trainee patent attorney who wants to put his or her technical background to use. You will help companies make strategic use of their innovations and intellectual property.

You don't need to know anything about intellectual property right now. What we are mainly looking for is someone with strong analytical skills, genuine curiosity and the ambition to engross themselves in a profession at the intersection of technology, law and entrepreneurship.

You will join a young and driven team in Turnhout, where there is room to learn, work together and really build something. If this sounds like something for you, we would love to hear from you.

Your role within EP&C

As a trainee patent attorney you will be a full member of our team from day one. You will visit clients, discuss their inventions and help them think about how best to protect them. You will do substantively interesting work and enjoy what you learn. You will be supervised by a personal mentor and supported by colleagues who will share their thoughts with you. This will allow you to grow in your role, with confidence and at your own pace.

You will be working with clients who are in the process of developing their business: from startups to SMEs. A good patent is of strategic importance to them - it makes innovation tangible, attracts investors and helps to fend off competition. You will learn how to make a difference in this.

At the same time, you will be following a training programme to become a Belgian and European patent attorney. That combination of working and learning makes it challenging, but above all incredibly valuable.

Simon Van Mierlo:
"What drives me is really diving into the technology of inventors. That way, we don't just create a patent that protects, but one that adds value to their growth and impact."

Your work will include:

• Analysing technical innovations and helping to draft patent applications.
• Advising clients on how to protect and use their ideas.
• Discussing IP strategies with R&D teams, entrepreneurs and inventors.
• Following a patent attorney training programme - fully facilitated by EP&C.
• Giving workshops or information sessions on intellectual property (in due course).
• Over time, you will build your own client portfolio and actively contribute to our commercial growth.

What we are looking for in you

We are not looking for a run-of-the-mill profile but for someone who is keen to learn and is driven with a strong technical insight. You feel at home in a collaborative environment but are also not afraid to take responsibility yourself. You think not only in terms of technical solutions but also in terms of strategic value.

You recognise yourself in the following:

• You have (nearly) completed a master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, mechanics, software or something similar.
• You have excellent oral and written communication skills in both Dutch and English.
• You are analytically strong, curious and have an eye for the people behind the innovation
• •    You have a customer-oriented attitude and the ambition to develop commercial skills.

What you can expect from us

We offer you a role in which you can grow, develop yourself and help grow EP&C Belgium. You will be given the confidence to shape your own ideas and the support to do so one step at a time.

On top of that we offer:

• Full reimbursement of the Belgian and European Patent Attorney training programme.
• A one-year contract (38 hours/week) with the prospect of an indefinite employment contract.
• Attractive employment conditions including a company car and competitive salary.
• Flexible working hours and the option of hybrid working (with the main focus on time at the office during your apprenticeship).
• Room for professional development through the EP&C Academy.
• A nice, informal workplace atmosphere where there is consideration for each other and a good work-life balance.

Jeroen Meesters: "As a trainee at EP&C you really get the room to grow. You will be well supervised, are trusted and given the opportunity to develop your own way of doing things."

About EP&C

EP&C is a modern patent firm with a rich history and a clear goal: to help companies protect their ideas and make them stronger. We do this with expertise, but also with commitment, honesty and an eye for the person behind the invention.

In Belgium, we are a young team going places. There is plenty of room to grow, to build together and to take the initiative. We are professional in what we do but like to keep things informal when it comes to how we interact with each other. Working at EP&C means having lunch together, having a laugh together, and making a difference together.

Are you ready to give direction to your career?

If this role appeals to you and you would like to help EP&C Belgium expand, send a cover letter with your reasons for applying together with your CV to jobs@epc.be for the attention of Ellen Offenberg.

If you have any questions or would like to get to know us first, please feel free to contact Simon (simon.vanmierlo@epc.be) or Jeroen (jeroen.meesters@epc.be) on +32 14 48 10 40.

No recruitment agencies please.