IP / Patents Analyst

Zzazz; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Zzazz seeks an experienced IP / Patent Analyst to manage and protect its intellectual property portfolio. You will draft patent applications, conduct prior art searches, and advise R&D teams on IP strategy.

Ideal candidates have 4–7 years in patent analysis, a relevant Engineering degree, and a Law degree or patent qualification. Proficiency in patent databases and an understanding of the Indian Patents Act 1970 are crucial.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of experience in patent analysis or a related IP role.
• Hands-on experience drafting patent claims and specifications.
• Strong understanding of the Indian Patents Act 1970 and PCT procedure.

Responsibilities

• Draft high-quality patent applications and responses.
• Conduct comprehensive prior art searches.
• Maintain and update the internal patent portfolio database.

Skills

Patent analysis

Technical writing

Patent databases proficiency

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology (B. Tech / B. E.)

Law degree (LLB / LLM) or recognized patent agent qualification

Tools

Espacenet

Derwent Innovation

PatSnap

Google Patents

Job description

We are seeking an experienced IP / Patent Analyst to strengthen and protect our growing intellectual property portfolio. You will work at the intersection of technology and law, conducting prior art searches, drafting and prosecuting patent applications, advising internal R&D and product teams on IP strategy, and monitoring the competitive patent landscape. This is a high-impact role that requires both technical depth and legal acumen.

Core Responsibilities

Patent Drafting and Prosecution

• Draft high-quality patent applications (provisional and non-provisional) in collaboration with inventors and external patent counsel.
• Prepare responses to Office Actions from the Indian Patent Office (IPO), USPTO, EPO, and other jurisdictions.
• Track prosecution timelines, deadlines, and annuity payments to maintain portfolio hygiene.
• Coordinate with foreign associates for PCT national phase entries and international prosecution.

Prior Art and Landscape Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive prior art searches using databases such as Espacenet, Derwent Innovation, PatSnap, Google Patents, and IEEE Xplore.
• Prepare freedom‑to‑operate (FTO) analyses, invalidity studies, and patentability opinions.
• Monitor competitor patent filings, publication trends, and white space opportunities in target technology domains.

IP Strategy and Portfolio Management

• Maintain and update the internal patent portfolio database; track filing, grant, expiry, and maintenance status.
• Support IP due diligence for M&A, licensing negotiations, partnerships, and investor transactions.
• Advise product and engineering teams on design‑arounds, trade secret protection, and IP‑risk mitigation strategies.
• Prepare IP reports, dashboards, and briefings for senior leadership and the board.

Compliance and Training

• Assist in drafting and reviewing IP assignment agreements, NDAs, licensing contracts, and technology transfer agreements.
• Conduct internal IP awareness sessions and inventor training programs.
• Stay current on amendments to Indian patent law, TRIPS obligations, and global IP developments.

Requirements

• 4–7 years of experience in patent analysis, IP prosecution, or a related IP role at a law firm, IP consulting firm, or in‑house team.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology (B. Tech / B. E.) preferably in Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical, or Biotechnology.
• Law degree (LLB / LLM) or a recognized patent agent qualification (Indian Patent Agent exam or equivalent).
• Hands‑on experience drafting patent claims, specifications, and Office Action responses.
• Proficiency with patent databases: Espacenet, Derwent Innovation, PatSnap, Google Patents, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of the Indian Patents Act 1970 (as amended), PCT procedure, and at least one major foreign jurisdiction (USPTO or EPO).
• Excellent technical writing skills with the ability to translate complex innovations into precise legal language.
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Patent Agent with the Indian Patent Office (IPO).
• Experience in technology domains such as software, AI/ML, semiconductors, telecommunications, or life sciences.
• Familiarity with IP analytics platforms (PatSnap, Innography, Anaqua, CPA Global).
• Exposure to patent licensing, FRAND negotiations, or standard essential patents (SEPs).
• Knowledge of trademark, copyright, and trade secret law in addition to patents.
• Experience supporting litigation holds, inter partes reviews (IPR), or patent oppositions.

Key Competencies

• Analytical rigor: ability to evaluate novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
• Legal and technical bilingualism: translating engineering concepts into enforceable claim language.
• Strategic thinking aligning patent filings with product roadmaps and competitive positioning.
• Stakeholder management: effective communication with inventors, counsel, businesses, and executives.
• Integrity and confidentiality: handling sensitive IP and legal information with discretion.