About the Unit

The Patent Team in the Legal department currently consists of three Patent Attorneys, a patent researcher, an IP operations manager, an IP administrator. This team provides patent support not only for R&D but to the entire Yara organization. The Patent Team implements patent strategies and advises business entities on all patent aspects of managing their Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio.

This requires managing all patent related matters including patent drafting and prosecution activities worldwide, assessing contracts for IP issues, advising on any freedom to operate issues, managing patent conflicts and litigation, inventor gratuity and remuneration processes and intellectual property education and awareness.

This position can be located in Oslo, Malmö or Brussels, and will report to the VP Patents.

Responsibilities

• Develop patent strategies that support and are consistent with Yara’s corporate strategy and commercial objectives of the business units to maximize the value of Yara’s patent assets and minimize risks of infringement.
• Handle all aspects of patent applications and prosecution worldwide (office actions, appeals, etc.)
• Manage patent conflicts, litigations, and oppositions.
• Coordinate with the Patent Researcher to provide patent watch profiles and third-party patent reviews for specific technical areas informing on competitive barriers in order to react on rights that could limit Yara’s freedom to operate.
• Ensure appropriate governance and ensure that Yara is compliant in all patent matters relating to that business area.
• Provide contract support for segments/BUs related to IP provisions of NDAs, Research Collaboration Agreements, M&A, etc.
• Training of Yara employees in basic Intellectual Property and informing on legal developments, which may affect patent policy.
  

Profile

• Full qualification as a European Patent Attorney, US Patent Attorney or US Patent Agent
• University degree (preferably master’s degree) in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical or Agricultural Engineering, or Material Sciences.
• More than 5 years’ experience in industry or private practice at the Patent Manager level. A senior patent manager would have more than 10 years of experience.
• Understand the science and technology, techniques, procedures, and equipment to make appropriate decisions, perform own role responsibilities and achieve the agreed performance standards and objectives.
• Ability to advise and influence at all levels in the organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills, team player with a multicultural understanding.
• Good communication skills. Excellent verbal and written English, other languages are beneficial.
  

What can we offer?

• An international, dynamic environment in a global organization with local operations in 60 countries and 28 production sites around the world.
• A flexible, hybrid working model including two days of ‘work from home’ per week.
• Competitive base salary and benefits package.
• Professional development through continuous learning and upskilling.

*All benefits are subject to local terms and regulations and may be changed during time of employment

Contact details

Victor Urban
VP Patent

Lejla Hodzic
Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding Partner

Apply no later than

141th of November, 2023