Senior IP Business Partner Job Description
The Senior Intellectual Property (IP) Business Partner will play a critical role in aligning the company's global IP strategy with its business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
* Strategic IP Leadership & Business Partnership:
o Serve as the primary IP advisor to senior business leaders, providing strategic and proactive guidance on global IP strategy to support the company's business objectives.
o Partner with the business to align IP strategy with their innovation pipeline and strategy, product development, commercial objectives, and with the corporate strategy.
o Act as a trusted business partner, providing actionable legal advice on complex IP issues to enable business teams to make informed decisions.
o Advise on the integration of IP strategy into the company's innovation pipeline and portfolio, ensuring a competitive edge in the marketplace.
o Collaborates with scientists and leaders in R&D and Segment innovation to define and assess company's innovation pipeline for IP opportunities and IP risks to set up and guide projects accordingly.
* IP Portfolio Management & Protection:
o Oversee and lead the management of the company's global IP portfolio, including patents, trade secrets, and other IP assets, ensuring it is properly aligned with business priorities.
o Lead the development and implementation of IP strategies to maximize value, prevent infringement, and enhance the protection of key assets in critical jurisdictions.
o Work with internal teams and external counsel to handle patent filings, prosecution, and enforcement globally.
o Evaluate and advise on IP risks associated with new products, technologies, services, and business initiatives.
o Develop, negotiate, and manage IP licensing agreements, collaborations, and joint ventures supporting business growth.
* IP Risk Management & Mitigation:
o Identify and assess potential IP risks across the company's global operations, advising business segments on mitigating exposure and minimizing the impact of IP disputes or challenges.
o Lead the defence and enforcement of the company's IP rights, including oppositions, IP litigation, negotiations, settlements, and alternative dispute resolution.
o Provide counsel on avoiding or mitigating infringement claims, including clearance for Freedom to Operate and due diligence activities.
* IP Education and Training:
o Develop and deliver training sessions and educational materials for business leaders and employees across the organization on IP issues, trends, and best practices.
o Foster a company-wide culture of IP awareness and the importance of protecting IP assets, ensuring proper use of IP in marketing and commercial activities.
o Monitor trends in IP law and market developments that may impact the company's IP strategy, advising senior management on relevant changes and best practices.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration & Global Coordination:
o Collaborate with key internal stakeholders, including R&D and Segments, global operations, global and regional marketing, innovation and technology functions, as well as commercial teams, to provide integrated legal and strategic IP support.
o Partner with regional and local legal teams to ensure consistent IP strategy, protection, and enforcement across different jurisdictions.
o Work with external law firms and service providers to ensure high-quality and efficient management of the company's global IP matters.
Required Qualifications
1. Education:
* Patent Attorney qualification in a relevant jurisdiction (e.g. US patent attorney, European Patent Attorney) or equivalent.
* Or alternatively a science/engineering degree and an IP law degree from a recognized institution.
2. Experience:
* Minimum 10 years post-qualification experience in the intellectual property field, with a significant portion of that experience gained in-house in a global corporation, ideally in an IP leadership or senior business partner role.
* Proven experience in managing complex, multi-jurisdictional IP portfolios and preferably directing and resolving IP disputes and litigation.
* Strong track record of advising senior leadership on IP strategy and risk management.
* Experience in patent law and trade secrets, preferably with expertise in the industries relevant to the company's business.
* Experience in negotiating and drafting IP-related agreements, including confidentiality, material transfer, licensing, and joint development agreements.
3. Skills:
* Deep understanding of global IP law and best practices, with the ability to adapt to varying legal systems and business environments.
* Ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams and balancing legal considerations with business priorities.
* Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership and other stakeholders.
* Strategic mindset with the ability to drive the business forward by leveraging IP as a critical asset.
* Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple complex matters simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
* Capability to deputize for the Head of Intellectual Property.
4. Languages:
* Fluency in English and good command of local language is required.
* Proficiency in other languages (e.g. French, Spanish, Chinese) would be an asset.
5. Working Conditions:
* The position is full-time (80-100%), permanent, and reports to the Head of Intellectual Property.
* The position is based in Switzerland, with the opportunity for remote work, subject to company policy.
* Occasional international travel may be required for coordination with external counsels, regional teams, and for attending legal proceedings or IP events.