Rachel Oldfield

As Lead IP Specialist, I provide expert solutions and advise to internal teams, managing complex, customised supply chain strategies for client delivery. I foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers, ensuring smooth operations and supporting suppliers with client-specific issues. I proactively identify risks and process improvements, implementing risk mitigation plans. Additionally, I train and guide team members, oversee project resourcing, and manage supplier performance for specific accounts.

This was a leadership-focused role overseeing and coordinating high-complexity tasks within the IP Support Services team. Responsibilities included managing workflows, assigning work, and monitoring team progress. Leading daily team meetings and providing support to attorneys and paralegals, including deputizing for Head of IPSS when required. Actively contributing to the development and delivery of training materials, ensuring high-quality training for staff at all levels. Conduct quality assurance, investigate and report issues, and propose improvements to processes. Mentor and support staff development, assist with recruitment and performance reviews, and manage workload priorities. Produce client reports and ensure timely completion of tasks.

This was a leadership role where I managed and oversaw the TM paralegal team within a large full-service law firm. Ensuring efficient handling of TM and design registration tasks. I provided training and led global trademark assignment projects. Key responsibilities included preparing and filing IP documentation, managing renewals, maintaining internal databases, and generating reports to support the team and attorneys in meeting global IP office requirements.

Patent formalities and paralegal role for a small private practice IP Firm. Duties included assisting Patent Attorneys with UK, European, and international patent applications, office actions, and post-grant maintenance. Independently managing legal documentation, cost estimates, and recording transfers of rights. Docketing and monitoring deadlines, managing the EPO mailbox, and liaising with foreign attorney firms. Acting as the primary point of contact for client and attorney inquiries.

Managing the Patent Portfolio within the R&D Department of a large global construction company, overseeing a €2M annual patent budget. Collaborating with technical staff to log invention disclosures, tracking spend and ensuring alignment with budget goals. Coordinating internal and external communications, ensuring deadlines were met and appropriate team members were alerted to action items. Assisting in patent filings, obtaining the necessary authorisations, Liaising and with external attorneys for legal advice, document tracking, and invoicing.

Assisted in overseeing the workflow of the Patent Formalities Department within a top-tier IP law firm, ensuring high levels of customer service and accuracy in all tasks. Mentored and trained new staff while ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures. Monitored deadlines and ensured timely completion of work, managing and updating the IPMS to ensure accurate deadline calculations. Conducted quality control checks for various patent and design applications, Power of Attorney forms, and standard reporting. Contributed to the implementation of new procedures to improve department efficiency.