Senior IP Business Partner

Job Description Summary

The Senior Intellectual Property (IP) Business Partner, will play a critical role in aligning the company's global IP strategy with its business objectives. This senior position is designed for a strategic leader who will provide proactive legal counsel on a broad range of IP matters, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, with a particular focus on driving value for the business through innovative IP strategies. The role will involve working closely with senior business leaders across Omya's Segments and R&D, including global operations, global and regional marketing, innovation and technology functions, as well as commercial teams, ensuring the generation, protection and monetization of the company's IP assets while managing IP risks on a global scale.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic IP Leadership & Business Partnership:

- Serve as the primary IP advisor to senior business leaders, providing strategic and proactive guidance on global IP strategy to support the company's business objectives.

- Partner with the business to align IP strategy with their innovation pipeline and strategy, product development, commercial objectives, and with the corporate strategy.

- Act as a trusted business partner, providing actionable legal advice on complex IP issues to enable business teams to make informed decisions.

- Advise on the integration of IP strategy into the company's innovation pipeline and portfolio, ensuring a competitive edge in the marketplace.

- Collaborates with scientists and leaders in R&D and Segment innovation to define and assess company's innovation pipeline for IP opportunities and IP risks to set-up and guide projects accordingly.

2. IP Portfolio Management & Protection:

- Oversee and leads management of the company's global IP portfolio, including patents, trade secrets, and other IP assets, ensuring it is properly aligned with business priorities.

- Lead the development and implementation of IP strategies to maximize value, prevent infringement, and enhance the protection of key assets in critical jurisdictions.

- Work with internal teams and external counsel to handle patent filings, prosecution, and enforcement globally.

- Evaluate and advise on IP risks associated with new products, technologies, services, and business initiatives.

- Develop, negotiate, and manage IP licensing agreements, collaborations and joint ventures supporting business growth.

3. IP Risk Management & Mitigation:

- Identify and assess potential IP risks across the company's global operations, advising business segments on mitigating exposure and minimizing the impact of IP disputes or challenges.

- Lead the defence and enforcement of the company's IP rights, including oppositions, IP litigation, negotiations, settlements, and alternative dispute resolution.

- Provide counsel on avoiding or mitigating infringement claims, including clearance for Freedom to Operate and due diligence activities.

4. IP Education and Training:

- Develop and deliver training sessions and educational materials for business leaders and employees across the organization on IP issues, trends, and best practices.

- Foster a company-wide culture of IP awareness and the importance of protecting IP assets, ensuring proper use of IP in marketing and commercial activities.

- Monitor trends in IP law and market developments that may impact the company's IP strategy, advising senior management on relevant changes and best practices.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Global Coordination:

- Collaborate with key internal stakeholders, including R&D and Segments, global operations, global and regional marketing, innovation and technology functions, as well as commercial teams, to provide integrated legal and strategic IP support.

- Partner with regional and local legal teams to ensure consistent IP strategy, protection, and enforcement across different jurisdictions.

- Work with external law firms and service providers to ensure high-quality and efficient management of the company's global IP matters.

Required Qualifications

Education

Patent Attorney qualification in a relevant jurisdiction (e.g. US patent attorney, European Patent Attorney) or equivalent. Or alternatively a science/ engineering degree and an IP law degree from a recognized institution.

Experience

- Minimum 10 years post-qualification experience in the intellectual property field, with a significant portion of that experience gained in-house in a global corporation, ideally in an IP leadership or senior business partner role.

- Proven experience in managing complex, multi-jurisdictional IP portfolios and preferably directing and resolving IP disputes and litigation.

- Strong track record of advising senior leadership on IP strategy and risk management.

- Experience in patent law and trade secrets, preferably with expertise in the industries relevant to the company's business.

- Experience in negotiating and drafting IP-related agreements, including confidentiality, material transfer, licensing and joint development agreements

Skills

- Deep understanding of global IP law and best practices, with the ability to adapt to varying legal systems and business environments.

- Ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams and balancing legal considerations with business priorities.

- Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership and other stakeholders.

- Strategic mindset with the ability to drive the business forward by leveraging IP as a critical asset.

- Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple complex matters simultaneously and prioritize effectively.

- Capability to deputize for the Head of Intellectual Property.

Languages

Fluency in English and good command of local language is required. Proficiency in other languages (e.g. French, Spanish, Chinese) would be an asset.

Working Conditions

- The position is full-time (80-100%), permanent, and reports to the Head of Intellectual Property

- The position is based in Switzerland, with the opportunity for remote work, subject to company policy.

- Occasional international travel may be required for coordination with external counsels, regional teams, and for attending legal proceedings or IP events.

Contact

Talent Management Partner, Simone Michelotti

Mail: Write an email

Tel.: +41 62 789 25 27