Why does this job exist at Ontex?
As a member of the Intellectual Property (IP) team, the US Patent Attorney/Agent supports the Company's growth strategy in the highly innovative and competitive personal hygiene consumer goods market with first-class IP support and contributes to the design and roll-out of its IP strategy and develop and implement state-of-the-art IP tools and processes. This... positon is for those looking for a growth opportunity with basic experience. Come Grow with Us
What is the scope of the job?
The US Patent Agent/Attorney will primarily support Ontex's North American business, working with the global and regional Innovation and Commercial teams to develop appropriate strategies to protect Ontex's innovations and to accomplish business and strategic initiatives. strategy and develop and implement state-of-the-art IP tools and processes.
What am I expected to deliver, and what are my main tasks?
• Managing an assigned patent portfolio and conducting patent prosecution, including the preparation, filing and prosecution of patent applications.
• Supporting North American commercialization activities by providing commercial teams with actionable advice regarding freedom to operate; working with cross-functional teams and with external resources to prepare relevant legal analysis and opinions regarding non-infringement and invalidity of IP based on current US law.
• Assisting with preparation and negotiation of IP-related provisions in agreements, including confidentiality, joint development, and commercial agreements.
• Supporting efforts to monetize Ontex's patent portfolio, e.g., with patent litigation and licensing opportunities
With whom do I need to collaborate to get the job done?
The US Patent Attorney/Agent will be a member of Ontex's North American IP team, led by the Lead IP Counsel, Americas. The NA IP team is part of Ontex's global IP Team, headed by the VP, Head of IP, based at the European Headquarters in Aalst, Belgium. The North American IP team, in collaboration with the global IP team, develops and implement holistic IP strategies for Ontex North America, that are consistent with the global strategies, whilst at the same time following jurisdictional best practices.
Will collaborate with:
Within Ontex
Other IP Team members
Other Legal Team members
Commercial team (Product Managers, Sales)
Procurement team
R&D team
Engineering team
Manufacturing team
Quality team
Accounting/Finance team
HR team
Outside of Ontex:
Outside counsel/advisors
Customers
Suppliers
What do I need to be successful in this job?
What is the educational requirement for the job?
Technical Degree (Bachelors or higher) preferably in Chemical, Manufacturing or Material Science field
Optional: JD degree from an accredited law school
Registration with the USPTO required (agent or attorney)
What prior experience is required for the job?
3-10 years of experience in patent law, working in law firm and/or in-house environment
Less than 10 years as an agent or less than 5 years as an attorney
Experience with patent preparation and prosecution
Experience counseling clients on various patent-related issues
Which technical skills do I need to master?
Knowledge of US Patent law is required; knowledge of laws in 1 other jurisdiction (e.g., PCT, EPO) is preferred.
Preparation and prosecution of US patents
Patent searching and analysis (patentability, validity, infringement, etc.)
Counseling clients on IP-related issues including inventions, freedom to operate
Preferred: Review/drafting/negotiating IP-related agreements and/or clauses
Preferred: Understanding the principles of project management
What are the core competencies for the job?
Good interviewing and investigation skills
Critical thinking and creative problem solving
Team player
Good Communication skills (verbal, non-verbal
Atlanta GA USA

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