Intellectual Property Counsel, Europe

TN Germany; Freiburg im Breisgau; Hybrid; EUR 80.000 - 120.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

An established industry player is seeking a seasoned legal counsel specializing in intellectual property to support its European operations. This role involves providing expert legal advice, drafting and negotiating agreements, and developing IP strategies across multiple jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the life sciences sector, a strong understanding of patent and trademark law, and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams. Join a forward-thinking company that values diversity and offers opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic environment.

Leistungen

Development Opportunities

Mentorship Programs

Leadership Programs

Flexible Work Hours

Camaraderie and Fun Activities

Qualifikationen

• At least 10 years of experience as in-house legal counsel in life sciences.
• Fluency in Business English is essential; German is desirable.

Aufgaben

• Serve as a legal advisor to European leadership and R&D centres.
• Support collaboration agreements with public research institutions.

Kenntnisse

Intellectual Property Law

Legal Drafting

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Team Collaboration

Ausbildung

Bachelor of Laws

Degree in Science or Engineering

Jobbeschreibung

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Job Reference:

746e16cd5308

Job Views:

2

Posted:

05.05.2025

Expiry Date:

19.06.2025

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Job Description:

Work Flexibility: Hybrid

This position will offer dedicated legal support in the area of intellectual property (IP) to Stryker’s manufacturing sites across Europe, our innovation centres in Germany and Ireland, and our European Regional Headquarters in Cork, Ireland.

The successful candidate will:

• Collaborate with other members of Stryker’s legal and business teams to address IP issues impacting Stryker’s European businesses and provide day-to-day IP advice;
• Draft and negotiate research collaboration agreements with publicly-funded institutions across Europe;
• Collaborate with European stakeholders and with Stryker’s U.S. product divisions to establish and implement Stryker’s European IP strategy; and
• Report to Senior IP Counsel, International and partner with the Director of IP Management, International.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a legal advisor to Stryker’s European leadership, R&D centres, and manufacturing sites;
• Collaborate with Stryker’s IP team and other stakeholders to develop and implement IP strategy in Europe to manage our European IP assets effectively;
• Support R&D centres across Europe on collaboration agreements with public research institutions, development agreements, and other projects;
• Act as a liaison between the IP management teams at the various U.S. product divisions and European leadership including providing quarterly leadership updates;
• Develop and conduct IP Training at various European R&D centres and manufacturing sites;
• Work closely with the Legal team and divisional management on IP litigation in Europe and related legal claims;
• Provide counsel relating to European administrative challenges to patent and trade mark rights (oppositions and cancellations);
• Develop strategies regarding enforcement / protection of Stryker’s European IP; and
• Work with R&D centres and divisional IP managers on innovation harvesting and IP protection.

Preferred Experience:

• At least 10 years’ business experience as in-house legal counsel in the life sciences industry, or as a private practice lawyer advising clients in this industry;
• Experience with managing, protecting, and enforcing patents, trade marks, trade secrets, and copyrights throughout Europe;
• International experience or experience working with clients in different jurisdictions and cultures, ideally within a medical devices, pharmaceutical, consumer electronics, or automotive industry environment.

Qualifications:

• Admitted to practice law, in at least one of the following jurisdictions: Germany (most preferred), UK or Ireland (preferred), France, Netherlands.
• Minimum of four (4) years’ experience with patent and trade mark legal work and IP strategy.
• Life sciences experience is preferred.
• The candidate must have a Bachelor of Laws, Science or Engineering degree, or equivalent and have excellent academic credentials.
• Experience with EPO and OHIM proceedings, intellectual property strategy, enforcement, and licensing is desirable.
• Fluency in Business English is essential, German is desirable.

Travel Percentage: Up to 25%

Other qualities:

• Demonstrate excellent judgment, professional demeanor;
• Collaborate with and lead project efforts within a global organization;
• Work well independently and in a team;
• Possess excellent analytical and writing skills;
• Experience providing timely legal advice in a highly regulated environment (preferred);
• Drive a commitment to integrity and accountability;
• Possess excellent organizational skills and can manage numerous projects and conflicting demands in a fast-paced environment;
• Communicate effectively at all levels, including senior executives;
• Maintain highly sensitive and confidential information.

Location: Freiburg, Germany (most preferred), or Cork, Ireland (preferred). Other EU-based locations will be considered.

Why Stryker?

• We value diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• We believe in work/life integration;
• We offer development opportunities including mentorship, challenging assignments, leadership programs, and coaching;
• We encourage camaraderie and fun;
• We foster a culture of collective success;
• We involve employees in decision-making and value their input.

Travel Percentage: 10%