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 issuesCONTEXTWith 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.
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.