Patent Attorney

at  British American Tobacco

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Previous experience of identifying, communicating and effectively managing potential risks presented by third party patents and of executing innovative, pragmatic, cost effective filing and prosecution strategies which will maximise our competitive advantage from our key innovations;
• Commercially astute with a clear understanding of FMCG businesses and proven ability to understand and support strategic aims;

TECHNICAL / FUNCTIONAL SKILLS REQUIRED

• Ability to assimilate and undertake strategic analysis of complex legal and business issues in line with overall business strategy;
• Detailed knowledge and practical experience of patent laws and working knowledge of related laws including trademark, copyright, designs, competition, contract, commercial and data protection laws;
• Ability to 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

• Skilled in engaging and communicating in simple, clear and coherent manner;
• Good interpersonal skills, sound judgement, good decision making and the ability to inform and influence at a range of levels both internally and externally;
• Ability to manage priorities and meet commitments with a track record of successfully completing projects;
• Ability to work across functions, building consensus and support;

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Professionally qualified as either a European or national patent attorney with up to 5 years’ post qualification experience in the Patents field (in any of the mechanical, electrical engineering or chemical fields), including drafting, prosecution, FTO, agreement, contentious and non-contentious matters;
• Candidates close to qualification will also be considered;

WHAT ARE THE KEY OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTATIONS FROM THIS ROLE?

Providing counsel and materials to support and execute Group Patent legal strategy to inform business decisions and maximise commercial opportunities, whilst ensuring legal compliance and mitigating business risk.

Responsible for:

• Providing counselling to the Group on risks posed by third party patents across one or more areas of responsibility (e.g. R&D CoE or E2E Product team) and implementing risk mitigation strategies, and/or
• Undertaking invention mining/harvesting, drafting and patent prosecution activities across areas of responsibility.

As a member of the BAT Group Patents team, you will be expected to contribute to and execute all aspects of the work in a manner which:

• Provides a value-added service to central management functions and relevant R&D CoEs or Product teams; and
• Delivers high quality, solution-orientated advice on all aspects of work.

WHAT YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR:

• Providing robust legal advice to facilitate our business and protect the Group’s interests by identifying, communicating and managing potential risks presented by third party patents across one or more commercial areas (e.g. Vapor, THP, Modern Oral, Beyond Nicotine and Combustibles). Advising end markets, Marketing, R&D, Ops and other key functions on potential risks and working collaboratively with these stakeholders to put in place risk mitigation plans.
• Establishing and maintaining a strong and sustainable patent portfolio which protects our key patents by:
• Undertaking all invention mining/harvesting and patent drafting activities;
• Implementing filing strategies to maximise our competitive advantage from our key innovations;
• Contributing to the generation and maintenance of patent filing lists for the HP/Vapor/MO categories in line with the commercial strategy for each Business Unit;
• Implementing prosecution strategies to protect our innovations and maximise the commercial opportunities that can be derived from our key innovations.
• Providing commercially focussed advice on key patent issues in a straightforward and compelling way directly to NC Category and Commercial leaders, enabling the business to deliver results whilst managing legal risk.
• Developing and managing 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.
• Cultivating 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.
• Taking responsibility for the execution and delivery of key processes, protocols and governance as allocated by Senior Counsel, Patents.
• Promoting a risk management and compliance culture ensuring consistency in the application of IP policies and procedures on a global level within BAT.

At BAT we are committed to our Purpose of creating A Better Tomorrow. This is what drives our people and our passion for innovation. See what is possible for you at BAT.

• Global Top Employer with 53,000 BAT people across more than 180 markets
• Brands sold in over 200 markets, made in 44 factories in 42 countries
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