Trainee Patent Attorney

A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Roche.

Patents are the backbone of the business model of research based companies like Roche. Large sums of money must be invested to develop new medicines and diagnostic products in a particularly difficult and lengthy process. Once a new medicine or diagnostic has been successfully developed it would be fairly easy for third parties to copy the product within a short period of time and without large investments.

That’s where patents come into play! Patents are the most effective and efficient tool to protect products and innovations. They are used to prevent competitors from copying and thus provide an incentive to invest into costly and risky research and development of new healthcare products and therapies.

We are seeking a Patent Attorney Trainee with a chemistry background for our team in Basel. As a member of our group responsible for small molecule pharmaceutical products you will advise our scientists on the patenting of inventions in this field. On your path to develop as European Patent Attorney, you will secure patent protection, freedom to operate and market exclusivity during the life cycle of Roche's products in close collaboration with the members of all functions involved.

The Opportunity:

• Handling of invention reports and drafting of patent applications in close collaboration with Research & Development

• Handling of patent aspects for small molecule projects and products, including prosecution, defense and enforcement of patent rights

• Patent portfolio management, supporting the decision making process for worldwide filings, maintenance and abandonment of patent filings

• Performing freedom to operate analyses

• Reviewing of planned publications

• Evaluate contract terms related to IP and coordinate with the Legal and Licensing departments on the drafting and negotiating of same

• Prepare for the European Qualification Examination under supervision of an experienced patent attorney

Who You Are:

• Chemistry background, at least with a master degree, and a strong and broadly based interest in science and technology

• Strong interest in patent law and interdisciplinary matters with a will to broaden horizons in this field and taking pleasure in a variety of intellectually stimulating work

• English language skills, knowledge of additional languages, in particular German will be an advantage.

• Well-developed analytical and writing skills

• Finely honed interpersonal skills and strong team player

• Ability to work to tight deadlines and to handle several projects simultaneously

• Well-structured, reliable and precise style of work

• Strong business acumen and interest in the pharmaceutical industry

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.