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Job Purpose and Impact

Location: Mechelen, Belgium - This is a permanent full time position, requiring 3 days per week in the Office, flexible/ hybrid working supported for 2 days per week. 

The Senior Intellectual Property Lawyer, will handle the Intellectual Property affairs for Cargill (in EMEA) with collaboration from Senior IP Lawyers and Patent agents. In this role, you will be responsible for managing a Patent portfolio and for advising and representing Cargill on legal issues primarily concerning Patent and Trade Secret matters. You will report directly to the IP Leader EMEA/ APAC.

Key Accountabilities

• Patent Portfolio Management: Work with the patent agent team to evaluate invention submissions, prepare and prosecute patent applications and manage global patent portfolios in alignment with Cargill’s business strategies and objectives.
• Innovation Partnering: Lead general IP activities, manage patent due diligence, develop IP strategies and provide intellectual property and commercial counseling to business stakeholders.
• Strategic IP Counseling: Provide legal advice on the patentability of inventions, freedom to operate, infringement and IP risks in major projects and complex transactions. As a trusted senior advisor, partner closely with R&D, business leaders, internal patent agents and external counsel to safeguard Cargill’s innovations and drive competitive advantage, delivering clear, timely and pragmatic advice and solutions.
• Agreements & Transactions: Draft and negotiate intellectual property related agreements and lead on IP due diligence in merger and acquisition activities.
• Dispute Resolution: Oversee and manage patent disputes, oppositions, appeals, and potential litigation, working closely with external counsel where necessary.
• IP Training: Develop, coordinate and provide training for key employees on intellectual property matters. Influence and educate internal stakeholders on IP matters, promoting a culture of innovation and intellectual property awareness across the organization.
• Leadership & Mentoring: You may provide direction to other team members, providing mentorship to more junior attorneys and patent professionals, and will be expected to show leadership and be an active team member.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical or scientific field.
• Fully qualified as a European Patent Attorney with a minimum of eight years of relevant post-qualification work experience, including negotiating and drafting IP related agreements (NDAs, joint development agreements, license agreements
• Minimum of five years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in English and in oppositions before the European Patent Office.
• Strong knowledge of European patent law, EPO procedures, including oppositions, and international IP systems.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal risks against business goals, effectively handle conflict and apply judgment in counseling.
• Excellent communication, advocacy and drafting skills.
• Ability to problem solve using a creative, resilient and flexible style and approach.
• Fluent English.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree, doctoral degree, or equivalent experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, biochemistry, food science, or a related field.
• Proficiency in French or German and/or Dutch

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