Patent Counsel

Stellantis is heavily investing in innovation, and its transition to a Tech company relies on its ability to develop innovative technologies and manage these advancements effectively. Its intellectual property assets not only enhance its competitiveness but also help to cement partnerships with other technology leaders.

In response to its ongoing commitment to growth and innovation, the IP Department is seeking a Junior Patent Counsel, with Mechanical Engineering skills.

The patent counsel will need to dive into engineering and product teams to drive our patent grants in the right direction. Practically, the patent counsel will be responsible for their technical perimeter (Body & Chassis) of a patent portfolio, from the patentability opinion to the patent grant. Most of the tasks are done in-house, and patent counsels are directly handling patent drafting and prosecution (INPI/EPO).

Besides, after being trained by peers when needed, the patent counsel will be involved in various patent matters (contracts, FTO, litigation). They will receive and animate trainings to maintain a high level of patent expertise (EPO standards).

Specifically, the position will include the following responsibilities:

1. Oversee the growth and quality of the patent portfolio in a given technical area, and in particular:
   
   • Analyze invention proposals and define the most appropriate protection strategies.
   • Ensure the protection of Stellantis' key innovations.
   • Manage the drafting of patent applications, supervising the quality of drafts made by external attorneys and directly drafting part of the patent applications.
2. Handle the procedures for granting patent applications, including:
   
   • International extension decisions, based on Stellantis' decision criteria and an analysis of technical, strategic, and financial information.
   • Technical-legal arguments with patent offices for obtaining patent grants.
   • Harvest inventions within the various departments of Stellantis by presenting patentability criteria and the processes for filing a patent application at Stellantis.
   • Conduct freedom-to-operate studies for technologies to be embedded in our vehicles and manage IP aspects of supplier relationships.

Profile

Engineer/Master's/PhD in mechanical or electrical engineering.
Graduated from CEIPI (patents), with upwards of 3 years' experience in the IP profession. Qualification as a European Patent Attorney (EPA) would be ideal.
Excellent synthesis and writing skills in both English and French.
Ideally, skills in Italian and/or German.

At Stellantis, we assess candidates based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We welcome applications from people of all gender identities, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, and disability. Diverse teams will allow us to better meet the evolving needs of our customers and care for our future.

Location

Europe, France

Languages