Senior IP Business Partner

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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:
   1. 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.
   2. Partner with the business to align IP strategy with their innovation pipeline and strategy, product development, commercial objectives, and with the corporate strategy.
   3. Act as a trusted business partner, providing actionable legal advice on complex IP issues to enable business teams to make informed decisions.
   4. Advise on the integration of IP strategy into the company's innovation pipeline and portfolio, ensuring a competitive edge in the marketplace.
   5. Collaborate 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.
   6. Oversee and lead management of the company's global IP portfolio, including patents, trade secrets, and other IP assets, ensuring it is properly aligned with business priorities.
   7. Lead the development and implementation of IP strategies to maximize value, prevent infringement, and enhance the protection of key assets in critical jurisdictions.
   8. Work with internal teams and external counsel to handle patent filings, prosecution, and enforcement globally.
   9. Evaluate and advise on IP risks associated with new products, technologies, services, and business initiatives.
   10. Develop, negotiate, and manage IP licensing agreements, collaborations, and joint ventures supporting business growth.
   11. 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.
   12. Lead the defense and enforcement of the company's IP rights, including oppositions, IP litigation, negotiations, settlements, and alternative dispute resolution.
   13. Provide counsel on avoiding or mitigating infringement claims, including clearance for Freedom to Operate and due diligence activities.
2. IP Education and Training:
   1. Develop and deliver training sessions and educational materials for business leaders and employees across the organization on IP issues, trends, and best practices.
   2. 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.
   3. 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.
3. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Global Coordination:
   1. 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.
   2. Partner with regional and local legal teams to ensure consistent IP strategy, protection, and enforcement across different jurisdictions.
   3. 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.