Lead IP Transactions Counsel

at  Novartis

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

What you’ll bring to the role:

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Law school graduate (common or civil law preferred) and/or patent attorney qualification required with at least a first degree in a life-science subject.
• Significant post-qualification experience executing complex licensing, collaboration, public and private mergers, and acquisitions transactions (both buy-side and sell side), with focus on all aspects of pharmaceutical exclusivity and freedom to operate assessments
• Experience leading IP transaction teams and processes and managing stakeholder interests in a corporate environment.
• Good basic understanding of other related subject areas such as: Corporate, Tax, Regulatory, Antitrust.
• Collaborative and solution-orientated personality with a strong service mentality
• Knowledge in the field of intellectual property paired with strong negotiating skills and experience and joy in giving trainings and facilitating workshops
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken), knowledge of other European languages is an asset

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure to US, as well as EU and other ROW litigations, would be advantageous
• Ability to understand complex new technologies (e.g. gene therapy, digital) and apply IP experience thereto

ABOUT THE ROLE

Location: Basel, Switzerland #LI-Hybrid
With more than 80 transactions opportunities reviewed every year, the Principal IP Transactions Counsel for Novartis has the unique opportunity to lead internal and external IP teams in the management and execution of IP aspects of strategic and complex transactions in close collaboration with IP and Legal management, and Corporate & Business Development (C&BD) colleagues. You will facilitate collaboration and best practices for our team of dedicated and experienced transactions professionals who design and implement the IP strategies needed for the growth of Novartis’s innovative medicines business, all for the ultimate benefit of patients and society!

REPORTING TO THE HEAD GLOBAL IP LITIGATION AND TRANSACTIONS, THE CORE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THIS ROLE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Coordinate and drive the delivery by internal and external IP teams of legal advice and documentation and related workstreams on transactions, including structuring, due diligence, and negotiation, as well as post-closing/integration activities.
• Work with Legal Transactions, C&BD, and other business colleagues to ensure appropriate IP elements are addressed in transaction structuring, terms, and contract drafting.
• Brief and make recommendations to line management, senior management, and other stakeholders (e.g. C&BD leadership) in respect of complex and sensitive IP and commercial issues arising in connection with transaction.
• Drive robust IP due diligence processes, including external IP and legal support, to identify, assess and communicate IP and deal risks and implement appropriate risk mitigation.
• Support the transition of closed transactions to integration/separation IP teams.
• Triage requests for IP diligence support, provides preliminary exclusivity assessments, and ensure that the Novartis Search & Evaluation team can analyze potential opportunities quickly and efficiently.
• Ensure exchange of information and know-how and provide training, with the goal that in-house lawyers take a consistent and proactive approach in effectively dealing with IP transactions, and that stakeholders are advised early of IP issues impacting the business.