Patent Attorney

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of beauty, health, personal care, home care, nutrition and ice cream products enjoyed by more than 3.4 billion people every day in over 190 countries.  We own 400 brands around the world with circa 90,000 trademark registrations and we are on a global mission to create a better planet and society.   We have over 20,000 patents and a rich history of ground-breaking innovations – many of which have been adopted by organizations the world over.  We innovate for people and planet, for our consumers, for superior performance, for value for money, and for sustainability.  As a purpose-led future-fit business, Unilever is committed to big successes with consistent and sustainable growth. Our Brands and the people we serve are at the heart of our growth agenda.

Unilever has an international Patent Group located in the UK, USA, The Netherlands, India and China comprising about 40 Patent Attorneys. The Group supports Unilever’s businesses by looking after Unilever's technology related intellectual property interests globally. The Group supports inventors within the R&D function and overlaps with marketing, general legal and supply chain to ensure business needs are fully supported.

We are currently recruiting a Patent Attorney within our Patent Group in Shanghai, China. The suitable candidate will be offered a role of Patent Attorney or Trainee Patent Attorney depending on his/her professional level, experience, and the degree of match to the role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of the Patent Group, you will be part of a team responsible for the protection of Unilever innovations by patents, utility models, designs, and trade secrets and to provide advice for intended product launches relating to third party patent rights. You will work closely with the R&D and commercial colleagues worldwide to develop and implement a patent strategy tailored to specific market segments.

On-the-job training will be provided for a candidate at the trainee level as well as external courses on the specific aspects of patent law, patent drafting, patent procedures and advisory work relating to patents.  Mentoring from senior Patent Attorneys in the Group is also provided.

Job Responsibilities:

Developing IP strategies for key technologies/projects. Identify patentable opportunities and draft patent applications. Manage patent prosecution in jurisdictions which Unilever has business interest.  Identifying and filing Design Registration applications. Conduct patent infringement risk analysis for new product launches. Assist on contract matters when needed. Provide client education. Closely working with other IP experts across brand protection/TMs. Assist in the daily operation of the Patent Group.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

·  Master or PhD degree in chemistry, material science, biotechnology, chemical engineering or a related subject.
·  Have strong analytical skills, strong communication skills (both oral and writing), detail-oriented and must be self-confident in the interaction with a wide range of clients.
·  Fluent in spoken and written English.
·  Eager to learn, strive for excellence.
·  Knowledge and/or experience in digital/mechanical field is a plus.
·  Good team player.

Additional (for experienced candidate): 

·  Qualification for patent attorney.
·  4 to 8 years’ experience in managing patent & design matters as counsel/attorney in MNC and/or in a leading patent firm.
·  Solid experience in drafting patent specification in English, patents prosecution in multi-jurisdictions, and managing a global patent portfolio.
·  Experience in patent infringement risk analysis/patent invalidation/litigation is a plus.

Additional (for candidate who has no patent experience): 

·  Interested in legal matters.
·  Be prepared to study for professional exams.
·  Preferably 1 to 5 years’ experience in R&D and/or qualification for patent attorney but not mandatory.
·  Experience in patents is a plus.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.