Senior Patent Counsel (m/f/d)

Clariant; Frankfurt; Hybrid; EUR 120.000 - 170.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Clariant is seeking a Senior Patent Counsel (m/f/d) to shape IP value for Business Unit Care Chemicals. You will advise at senior levels, represent before the European Patent Office, and drive IP strategy and patent portfolio management within an international team.

You will lead major IP litigation, manage licensing activities, and ensure compliance across IP matters while drafting complex IP contracts. Fluency in English is required; German is advantageous.

Qualifikationen

• Master/PhD preferred in chemistry/biochemistry or related field.
• Qualified European Patent Attorney (EU patent law exams passed).
• 5+ years post-qualification IP experience.
• Deep understanding of patent laws and procedures.

Aufgaben

• Register, enforce and defend IP rights worldwide.
• Oppose third-party patent rights to secure freedom to operate.
• Lead investigations, provide opinions on infringement and validity.
• Manage IP litigations and support licensing.
• Draft contracts with technical/scientific background.
• Lead IP licensing in M&A projects.

Kenntnisse

IP strategy

English fluency

German a plus

Strategic advisory

Cross-functional collaboration

Ausbildung

Master/ PhD in Chemistry or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Job ID: 41680 | Location: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany | Work Model: Hybrid

As Senior Patent Counsel (m/f/d), you will generate value from IP (Intellectual Property) assets and advise clients up to Business Unit Leadership Team level on IP matters. You will represent Clariant before the European Patent Office, lead major IP litigation and licensing cases, and drive IP strategy and patent portfolio management. You will work as part of an international team of IP professionals within Clariant Global Function Legal.

Responsibilities

• Ensure registration, enforcement and defense of technical IP rights worldwide.
• Ensure opposing patent rights of third parties for the purpose of securing technical and economic freedom to operate for the company, lead post-grant procedures and represent, in written and oral hearings, before the European Patent Office.
• Perform analysis, lead major investigations and provide legal opinions regarding infringement, freedom-to-operate and validity.
• Manage and support IP related litigations.
• Draft contracts with technical and / or scientific background.
• Lead IP licensing cases and IP-related activities in M&A projects.
• Drive the IP strategy in line specifically with Business Unit Care Chemicals.
• Ensure compliance in all IP-related issues and actions.
• Ensure the processing of all questions relating to inventor remuneration.
• Coach IP Counsels on patent, opposition and contract matters.
• Develop training materials and concepts to foster IP awareness and educate Business Unit staff and other relevant stakeholders.

Requirements

• Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or other relevant technology or science field, preferred Master/PhD.
• Qualified European Patent Attorney (passed all EU Patent Law exams).
• 5+ years of post IP attorney qualification and relevant IP experience in business or technology area.
• Long term experience and deep understanding of patent laws and procedures.
• Ability to provide strategic advice on how IP can be leveraged to generate value.
• Fast understanding of business and technology environment of client (Business Unit/Business Lines/Region) and ability to use this to develop, negotiate and litigate optimal solutions in complex IP matters.
• Understanding of complex contract law allowing drafting and negotiating complex IP contracts.
• Understanding of IP court practice and procedure.
• Fluent in English, German would be an advantage.

Our Offer

• This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity for you, you will have a significant impact on the success of our business and our customers.
• Very interesting, varied and challenging scope of work in a global environment.
• Attractive and performance-related remuneration and social benefits.

Your Contact

Wencke Leyens-Wiedau

Talent Acquisition Manager EMEA

Phone: [phone]

Germany

Clariant is a Swiss-based global specialty chemicals company, which is concentrated and developed in three business units: Care Chemicals, Catalysts and Adsorbents & Additives. Our purpose as a company is reflected in our tagline "Greater chemistry - between people and planet", which considers the principles of customer, innovation and people orientation, as well as a focus on creating solutions to foster sustainability in different industries by offering high-value and high-performance chemical specialties.

At Clariant, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to our success. We strive to cultivate a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Our diverse workforce allows us to tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and capabilities that drive innovation. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement across all levels of the organization, based on objective criteria and regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, protected veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity in accordance with the relevant governing laws. By bringing together talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, we gain the agility to meet the evolving needs of our global customers and communities. Join our team to help advance our mission of fostering a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive.

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