Patent Counsel
Bellevue, GE, CH
Join our team and play a critical role in a wide variety of R&D and innovation projects by providing pragmatic, business-savvy expertise on all patent-related issues
CONTEXT
With Richemont’s rapidly growing research and innovation activity, our Group Legal Department is recruiting a Patent Counsel to reinforce its Patent Team who handles all patent-related matters Group-wide. The team works closely together with our R&D and innovation colleagues across both Maisons and central teams.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT?
The Patent Counsel will be responsible for the following areas:
- Assess the patentability and freedom of exploitation of new products and technology, including patent searching, prior art analysis, and provide practical, business-oriented opinions and guidance in this respect.
- Instruct, manage and collaborate with outside patent firms on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications including reviewing and amending draft patent applications, examination responses and opposition/litigation briefs. Some internal drafting of the same.
- Build and manage a growing patent portfolio, with a focus on key strategic areas. Internal and external patent portfolio analyses.
- The role will liaise closely: internally, with relevant research, industrial and product development personnel at Richemont Maisons and other members of IP and Legal teams; externally with outside patent attorneys and firms.
- The role will require regular travel to Group sites within Switzerland, and occasional travel elsewhere within Europe.
HOW WILL YOU EXPERIENCE SUCCESS WITH US?
- Science/Engineering degree and/or technical experience relevant to micromechanics, watchmaking, materials, automation, and/or industrial manufacturing technologies.
- Qualified European patent attorney (EQE admitted) with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the patent profession, in particular dealing with patent searches, opinions, drafting, prosecution, and oppositions. Experience may be gained working in a patent attorney firm or an in-house patent department.
- Fluent in French and English; German also desirable.
- Strong IT skills, particularly in relation to patent technology tools (databases, etc).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to liaise with colleagues at all levels.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills.
- Disciplined to work effectively independently with minimum supervision, while being self-motivated and able to demonstrate initiative, leadership and pro-activeness.
- Strong organisational skills.
- “Can-do” approach and a team player.
- Discrete and trustworthy.
- A sense of humour
HOW DO WE KEEP YOU SMILING?
- An attractive base salary
- Bonus scheme
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Pension plan & private healthcare participation
YOUR JOURNEY WITH US:
1. If your application is selected, we will reach out to you ASAP for an informal introductory call.
2. The next step from there would be a first introduction call with our Talent Acquisition Partner and then a Technical interview with the Hiring Manager; and if there is a match, you will have a personal meeting with him and our HR Business Partner.
