Head of IP, Robotics

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world. This Position reports to: Senior Legal Counsel Your role and responsibilities This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we’ve announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing. By joining us now, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics – working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment. As Head of IP, Robotics you will be a key strategic leader, responsible for protecting, leveraging, and maximizing the value of the company’s innovation, intangible assets and digital capabilities. You will guide the IP and digital strategy across the business, ensuring alignment with corporate goals, risk management, and growth initiatives, while acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and the Executive Committee. The role reports to the General Counsel Robotics. Working model: hybrid #LI-hybrid Preferred location is Switzerland Key Responsibilities - Define, lead, and execute the company-wide IP and digital strategy to protect and grow its global portfolio of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and digital assets including software, data, and AI models. - Analyzing the technology transactions and negotiates terms and conditions, ensuring the organization's IP and digital interests are protected. - Implement deep knowledge of applicable IP law, digital rights management, and evolving technology law. - Support Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) transactions and divestitures by conducting and/or supervising IP and digital legal/contract reviews for them. - Conduct litigation and opposition proceedings in applicable geographies and collaborating with outside counsel to defend and/or enforce trademark rights. - Oversee global IP and digital assets portfolio management, including filings, oppositions, renewals, licensing, and enforcement actions. - Drive IP due diligence and strategy in support of M&A, partnerships, joint ventures, and divestitures. - Partner with R&D, business units, and Legal & Integrity to foster innovation while ensuring robust protection and commercialization of intellectual property. - Anticipate emerging IP and digital risks and regulatory trends, developing proactive strategies to safeguard business interests. - Represent the company externally with IP authorities, regulators, and industry bodies. - Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global IP team. Qualifications & Experience - Qualified IP lawyer or patent attorney with 15+ years of experience in intellectual property law and strategy within multinational companies or leading law firms. - Proven track record advising boards and executive leadership on complex IP, digital, technology, and innovation-related matters. - Significant experience in global IP and digital assets portfolio management, licensing, enforcement, and litigation. - Strong expertise in supporting M&A, joint ventures, and strategic transactions from an IP and digital perspective. - Previous experience in Robotics sector is preferred but not required. - Exceptional leadership and influencing skills. - Pragmatic, commercially minded, and innovative approach to balancing IP risk with business opportunity. - Fluency in English; additional languages are a strong asset. We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.