Patent Counsel

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What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?  

Providing counsel and materials to enable Senior Counsel, Patents to support and execute Group Patent legal strategy to advise business decisions and improve commercial opportunities, whilst ensuring legal compliance and mitigating business risk.

Responsible for leading and being an integral part of a small team undertaking invention mining, drafting and providing counselling on potential risks posed by third party patents in relation to pipeline products in relation to one or more Projects, E2E Product teams or NC R&D CoEs:

·Implementing filing strategies to improve what differentiates us

·Implementing prosecution strategies that can be derived from our portfolio

·Conducting robust search, identification and analysis of third party patent rights to identify potential risks

·Communicating risks and recommendations for mitigation to enable collaborators to make commercial decisions

As a member of the BAT Group Patents team, you will be encouraged to implement all aspects of the work in a manner which provides a beneficial service to central management functions and relevant Business Units; and delivers high quality, solution-orientated advice on all aspects of work

Your key responsibilities will include:

•  Establish and maintain a strong and balanced patent portfolio which protects our key innovations in areas of responsibility
• Undertake invention mining/harvesting and patent drafting activities to support the Projects/CoEs of responsibility
• Implement filing strategies to improve what sets us apart from our key innovations
• Contribute to the generation and maintenance of patent filing lists for the HP/Vapor/MO categories in line with the commercial strategy for the Business Unit
• Implement prosecution strategies to protect our innovations and improve the commercial opportunities 
• Providing robust legal advice to facilitate our business and protect the Group's interests by identifying and handling potential risks presented
• Advising R&D, Ops and other key functions and working collaboratively with these collaborators to put in place appropriate strategies
• Lead a team within Patents ensuring the team is, at all times, effectively structured and operating to meet the business priorities 
• Direct, co-ordinate and supervise their team in the identification, communication and mitigation of third party risks as well as the team’s drafting work globally through the effective management and supervision of direct and indirect reports
• Lead, train and educate direct and indirect reports through constant and effective communication and feedback to ensure the team has full alignment with the business needs and provides to the business high quality, solution orientated and valuable advice on all patent issues. 
• Provide commercially focussed advice on key patent issues in a straightforward and compelling way directly to E2E Product Managers and CoE leads, enabling the business to deliver results whilst handling legal risk.
• Develop and handle relationships with key external IP service providers to ensure high quality, efficient and value for money service, seeking efficiencies and opportunities for standardisation where possible
• Cultivate a network of collaborative relationships at all levels within BAT which are based on mutual trust to ensure the best outcome for BAT as whole
• Create a healthy, engaged and inclusive working environment for the team
• Lead performance and development reviews of team members on an active basis, ensuring regular meetings with direct reports to ensure strong motivation and development
• Take ownership for the execution and delivery of key processes, protocols and governance as allocated by Senior Counsel, Patents
• Promote risk management and compliance culture ensuring consistency in application of IP policies and procedures on a global level within BAT

What are we looking for? 

Experience required:

·Previous experience of searching for, identifying and communicating infringement risks to senior collaborators in conjunction with recommendations for commercially focused mitigation strategies

·Previous experience of implementing innovative, pragmatic, cost effective filing and prosecution strategies which will maximise our competitive advantage 

·Commercially astute with a clear understanding of FMCG businesses and confirmed ability to understand and support strategic aims

Technical / Functional Skills Required

·Ability to assimilate and undertake high level strategic analysis of complex legal and business issues in line with overall business strategy

oDetailed knowledge and practical experience of patent laws in US, Europe and Japan (as well as China) and working knowledge of related laws including trademark, copyright, designs, competition, contract, commercial and data protection laws 

·Ability to advise on and assess IP clauses in commercial agreements, including licences, settlement agreements, assignments, with considerable attention to detail, accuracy and consequences

·High level understanding of tax and financial implications of commercial and contractual decisions

Leadership Skills Required

·Good social skills, sound judgement, good decision making and the ability to inform and influence at all levels both internally and externally 

·Skilled in engaging and communicating in simple, clear and coherent manner at senior management level

·Ability to handle priorities and meet commitments with a track record of optimally completing projects

·Ability to work across functions, building consensus and support

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

·Expertly qualified as a European and UK patent attorney and would usually have at least 5 years’ post qualification experience in the Patents field in the mechanical/electronics or chemical/biotech fields, including FTO, drafting, prosecution, agreement, contentious and non-contentious matters

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.

We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experiencehere.

We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.

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