MWA - Merlin Wright Associates

Would your CV pass an AI screening today? Many more experienced IP professionals have enjoyed exceptional careers, but their CVs were written for a different era. The document that secured your trainee position or last promotion may not survive the dreaded modern Applicant Tracking System. That is entirely understandable – in IP, moving roles is not always frequent, so CV writing is not something most people practise regularly.

However, the hiring landscape has changed dramatically and rapidly over the last few years. Your CV is no longer read first by a partner or hiring manager. It is assessed by an AI-driven system before a human ever sees it.

We have designed the following guide to help IP professionals modernise their CVs to work for both algorithms and human decision-makers.

1. Understand How AI Screening Works

Most law firms and corporates use AI-powered ATS platforms including Workday, Greenhouse, or SmartRecruiters.

These systems parse your CV into structured data, match keywords against the job description, rank candidates based on alignment to the role, and flag missing core criteria

They rely on Natural Language Processing (NLP). That means that exact keywords, context, and structure are all crucial for success.

Therefore, if the role requires “EPO opposition experience” and your CV only says “contentious matters”, the system may not connect the two. The goal of CV writing is to remove any obstacles the algorithm might have to understanding your experience. 

2. Length: Relevance Over Pages

There is no magic page count, but it’s important to keep things concise. For most IP professionals, 1–2 pages is ideal up to mid-level and 2–3 pages is appropriate for senior associates, partners, or in-house heads of IP.

A key question to ask yourself is:
If someone reads the top third of your CV, do they immediately understand your technical field, qualification status, and core strengths?

For example, a strong profile paragraph might clarify:

• European Patent Attorney (qualified 2018)
• Chemistry and pharmaceuticals focus
• Experienced in EPO oppositions and freedom-to-operate analysis
• Client base includes US biotech and European generics companies

That clarity helps both algorithms and hiring partners.

3.Use an ATS-Friendly Layout

It’s easy to over-design your CV to make it aesthetically pleasing – it might seem counter-intuitive, but you should always avoid this. The simpler your CV, the easier it is to read; for AI and human screening. 

Use: Single-column layouts, standard fonts such as Arial or Calibri (10–12 pt), and clear section headings (e.g. Experience, Education, Skills, Qualifications, reverse chronological order).

Avoid: Tables, images, graphics, charts, logos, and important information in headers or footers.

Many ATS systems cannot read complex formatting correctly. If your qualification details are in a text box, they may not be indexed at all. To test it yourself,  paste your CV into Notepad. If the structure collapses or key information disappears, simplify it.

4. Tailor Every Application

Sending the same CV to five different firms rarely works in 2026. AI systems compare your CV directly against the job description, searching for exact word matches. 

Therefore, if a firm emphasises “Client relationship management”, “Business development involvement”, or “Cross-border litigation coordination”, then those exact phrases should appear in your CV, where truthful. For IP specifically, this might mean explicitly referencing tasks such as EPO opposition and appeal work, UKIPO or EUIPO proceedings, freedom-to-operate opinions, or SEP litigation exposure.

In a typical CV, your instinct might be to avoid ‘copying’ the job description because a human can read between the lines. In the age of artificial intelligence, an ATS cannot. Using this method removes any doubt that might cause the system to disregard your application. 

5. Be Specific

Generic statements can weaken your ranking. If you are able to give concrete examples, this solidifies your achievements in a reader’s mind and brings you up the rankings in an ATS. 

For example, instead of: “Handled patent matters for international clients”, write: “Managed European patent prosecution portfolio (approx. 120 cases) for US biotech client, including EPO oppositions and divisional strategy.”

Instead of: “Advised on trade mark disputes”, write: “Led EUIPO opposition proceedings for FMCG brand portfolio, achieving 85 percent success rate over three years.”

Referencing numbers, jurisdictions, forums, and technologies all strengthen your CV for both machines and humans.

6. Optimise Your Professional Summary

Your summary is prime space on the first page of your CV. It should not dominate half of the first page, nor should it be a handful of generic bullet points lifted from your LinkedIn profile. Think of this as a concise positioning statement. In 3–4 lines:

• State your title and qualification
• Identify your technical or sector focus
• Highlight 2–3 core strengths aligned to the role

For example:

“Dual-qualified UK and European Patent Attorney specialising in mechanical engineering and medtech. Extensive EPO opposition experience and cross-border litigation support. Advises multinational manufacturers on portfolio strategy and freedom-to-operate.”

This section immediately signals your relevance to the role.

7. Align Your Digital Presence

Headhunters will always check your LinkedIn profile before interview. In some cases, we search for your profile before even opening your CV. To strengthen your credibility, ensure that:

• Job titles match your CV
• Dates are consistent and accurate
• Key skills mirror your CV language
• Publications or speaking engagements are listed

If applicable, consider adding achievements and qualities including conference speaking, committee memberships (e.g., professional bodies), published articles, or representative matters (non-confidential).

Consistency bolsters credibility, and in an AI-assisted search environment, well-aligned profiles improve your visibility as well as your professional brand.

8. Save and Send It Correctly

Small technical mistakes can undo even the strongest CV. If an ATS cannot read the information, it most likely goes straight to the ‘reject’ pile, and hiring managers always appreciate ease of access to your document. To avoid this:

• Save as a PDF unless instructed otherwise
• Use a professional file name, e.g. John Smith European Patent Attorney CV.pdf
• Keep file size reasonable
• Follow application instructions precisely

Many candidates lose credibility by attaching the wrong version or ignoring submission requirements.

A strong IP CV in 2026 works because it speaks clearly to both the ATS and the hiring partner who reads it next. The most effective documents are simple in structure, rich in specific detail, tailored to the role, and consistent with your online profile. Updating your CV is really about translating your experience into language that both AI systems and humans can understand instantly, giving you the best chance of moving from application to interview.

Our team at MWA are available to provide bespoke CV consultancy services to help your application stand out. Get in touch below to find out more.