Patent Attorney

Job Purpose and Impact

Location: Mechelen Belgium -This is a permanent full time position requiring 3 days per week in the Office flexible/ hybrid working supported for 2 days per week.

The Intellectual Property Lawyer will handle the Intellectual Property affairs for Cargill (in EMEA) with collaboration from Senior IP Lawyers and Patent this role you will be responsible for managing a Patent portfolio and for advising and representing Cargill on legal issues primarily concerning Patent and Trade Secret matters.

Key Accountabilities

• Patent Portfolio Management: Work with the patent agent team to evaluate invention submissions prepare and prosecute patent applications and manage global patent portfolios in alignment with Cargills business strategies and objectives.
• Innovation Partnering: Coordinate general IP activities assist with patent due diligence help develop IP strategies and provide intellectual property and commercial counseling to business stakeholders.
• Strategic IP Counseling: Provide legal advice on the patentability of inventions freedom to operate infringement and IP risks in projects and transactions. Partner closely with R&D business leaders internal patent agents and external counsel to safeguard Cargills innovations and drive competitive advantage delivering clear timely and pragmatic advice and solutions.
• Agreements & Transactions: Draft and negotiate simple intellectual property related agreements and support on IP due diligence in merger and acquisition activities.
• Dispute Resolution: Assist in managing patent disputes oppositions appeals and potential litigation working closely with either senior Lawyers or external counsel where necessary.
• IP Training: Coordinate and provide training for key employees on intellectual property matters.
• Leadership & Mentoring: You may provide direction to other team members and will be expected to be a key contributor and active team member.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a technical or scientific field.
• Fully qualified as a European Patent Lawyer with a minimum of four years of relevant post-qualification work experience including experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in English.
• Strong knowledge of European patent law EPO procedures and international IP systems.
• Ability to effectively handle conflict and apply judgment in counseling.
• Excellent communication advocacy and drafting skills.
• Ability to problem solve using a creative resilient and flexible style and approach.
• Fluent English.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree doctoral degree or equivalent experience in chemistry chemical engineering materials science biochemistry food science or a related field.
• Proficiency in French or German and/or Dutch

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