Patent Attorney, Enkhuizen

Overview

We are looking for a dynamic European Patent Attorney who is passionate about working at the interface between biology, technology and data-driven innovations. Join our team and be a key player in connecting our cutting-edge R&D with strategic IP objectives. What are you going to do?

As a qualified European Patent Attorney, you collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement IP strategies that align with our technological advancements and business goals. You will be working on the interface between biology, technology, and data-driven innovations. In this role, you keep up with new technologies and industry trends to spot IP opportunities and risks.Furthermore, you play a key role in securing Enza Zaden’s freedom-to-operate (FTO) position and in protecting the company’s key inventions. You will work in a small, dedicated team consisting of a Formalities Officer, a Patent Attorney Trainee, and an IP Manager. This IP Team is embedded within the Legal Department.Your responsibilities

Discuss technical developments with inventors, maintain detailed records of IP-related activities and documentation, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; Evaluate invention disclosure forms and other scientific/technical documents to assess whether a technical development is patentable and worth patenting;Prosecute Enza Zaden’s patent applications (worldwide) and manage interactions with outside counsel; Assess third party patent documents with a view to potential relevance, validity and strategies to maintain FTO; Perform or coordinate FTO searches and analyses for assigned crops or technologies; monitor (validityof) competitors' patent applications and patents and inform internal clients when potential threats are identified;Manage and check content of opposition proceedings with external patent attorneys and prosecution of more complex patent applications; Create awareness and contribute to training of colleagues in other departments on matters of IP; Contribute to the execution of the IP Strategy and support key elements relating to seed technology research and data-driven innovations; where necessary, create new ways of working to enable the implementation of the strategy;Support and coach other members of the IP team, including mentoring of patent attorney trainees; Your Power and Capabilities

You will work in the exciting field of IP for an innovative global market leader in the seed industry. You are a fully qualified, seasoned European Patent Attorney with strong interpersonal skills. With knowledge of biology or biotechnology and experience in data-driven innovations, you strengthen the IP Team and the Legal department. Your excellent communication skills enable you to bridge the IP Team with other functions and external patent advisors. You are curious, enjoy working in an international environment, and have a strong analytic mind. You can shift rapidly between detail and the big picture and take responsibility for developing the IP strategy for your own domains, together with the IP Manager. You start initiatives of your own and are a pragmatic problem solver.In addition, you: Are a qualified European Patent Attorney with at least 5 years of experience as an in-house attorney; Hold an MSc or PhD in biology or biotechnology; Have relevant experience handling innovations related to data, computer algorithms, and/or artificial intelligence; Have a demonstrable track record of managing a global patent portfolio;Can pro-actively organize a challenging workload; Are a team player with a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to work independently; Ideally have experience driving organizational change, especially regarding cross-functional working structures; Are proficient in English and preferably Dutch.Enza Zaden as your employer

With more than 3,000 team members worldwide, we develop the finest vegetable varieties. We aim to deliver seeds with better taste, yield and resistance. Enza Zaden values entrepreneurship, initiative and determination, and we are committed to supporting our employees’ growth and development. We have a long-standing track record and continue to grow together.What can you expect from us

As a family-owned company, we support you to thrive in all areas of life. We offer: Flexible work arrangements; 25 paid vacation days (employees may buy extra vacation days equivalent to two times their weekly working hours); 1 paid vitality day for all, plus extra days as age increases; Contribution for overnight stays if you live further away from Enza Zaden;Laptop and smartphone; Active support for professional development and leadership programs; access to a global e-learning platform; Employer-sponsored retirement benefits. Join us for a career that grows with you. If you want to know more about Enza Zaden, visit our website. Get in touch

Apply now using the application button. You will receive an automatic confirmation of your application within minutes, and we will respond within 10 working days. For questions about our application process, please reach out to: Sandra Hoeneveld, Corporate Recruiter, ood to know

This position cannot be filled on an interim basis; Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on background, identity or personal characteristics.

#J-18808-Ljbffr