Job Description
Patent Associate Job Description
We are seeking a Patent Associate to join our Legal team in Naas, working closely with the Chief Technological Officer, Legal and other functions to provide legal advice on innovation matters.
The successful candidate will have excellent technical and scientific knowledge with a keen interest in protecting the Intellectual Property of the Group.
Kerry operates a Hybrid working policy, candidates will be required to work from our offices in Naas each week.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor R&D development activities for identifying inventions and developing patent opportunities.
- Conducting patentability and freedom–to–operate evaluations.
- Searching, analysing, and evaluating information from literature and scientific communication with respect to IP matters.
- Maintenance, development, and management of Kerry Group's patent portfolio.
- Drafting patent applications.
- Drafting responses to office actions during patent prosecution in close collaboration with external patent attorneys and IP colleagues.
- Communication with external patent attorneys, IP consultants and company inventors.
- Explain, clarify & simplify complex technical information.
- Monitor R&D development activities for the identification of inventions.
- Provide protection for the Group's patent portfolio by enforcing any contractual obligations.
- Management of relationships with outside counsels.
- Delivering critical communications and training and developing policies and procedures.
Requirements
- Strong relevant Legal experience managing and defending patent matters in-house or in an IP firm.
- Bachelor's Degree in science (essential)
- Master or PhD in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, (Molecular) Biology, Chemistry, or comparable education and experience (preferably).
- Outstanding communication skills with the ability to simplify complex information.
- Analytical thinker with strong conceptual and research skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
About Kerry
Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition.