Patent Counsel

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.