Patent Attorney (f/m/d) Global Patent Group

at  SAP

WE HELP THE WORLD RUN BETTER

At SAP, we enable you to bring out your best. Our company culture is focused on collaboration and a shared passion to help the world run better. How? We focus every day on building the foundation for tomorrow and creating a workplace that embraces differences, values flexibility, and is aligned to our purpose-driven and future-focused work. We offer a highly collaborative, caring team environment with a strong focus on learning and development, recognition for your individual contributions, and a variety of benefit options for you to choose from.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Must be admitted to the European Patent Office or German Patent Office (experience with US patents a plus).
• A university degree in a science/technology field is required (computer science, electrical engineering, or related degree a plus).
• understanding of software patent practices and principles.
• Ability to apply knowledge of relevant industry trends and resulting issues to day-to-day business planning.
• Ability to translate knowledge of technology and market trends to formulate strategies and recommendations to build and maintain a patent portfolio that supports SAP’s business objectives.
• Ability to travel internationally and work across cultural and language boundaries.
• Ability to manage projects in a complex and matrixed environment with virtual teams of high-level professionals.
• The candidate should have strong technical, interpersonal, verbal, presentation, and writing skills to successfully interact with inventors, colleagues, and executive management.
• The candidate should be a strategic thinker with organizational savvy, and should be results driven yet team oriented.
• Native German and fluent English is mandatory

WORK EXPERIENCE

Experience in the areas of patent drafting, prosecution, licensing, and litigation preferred.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The Global Patent Group – as part of SAP’s Global Legal department – works with SAP developers, engineers, and researchers throughout the world. Our goal is to understand the connection between the business and the inventions in order to strategically develop and deploy patents and other IP protection in support of SAP’s business objectives. This role presents an opportunity to be part of a dynamic group of patent professionals located across the globe tasked with growing and maintaining what is already one of the largest patent portfolios. The position offers considerable professional independence and autonomy, making it particularly well-suited for individuals who are independent and decisive.

EXPECTATIONS AND TASKS

• Engage with internal client groups (product development, product marketing, corporate development, sales, corporate legal, etc.) to advise on IP issues and to coordinate activities relating to patent portfolio development, risk management (such as third party disputes), and IP-related agreements.
• Build and manage a portfolio of patents supporting one or more lines of business.
• Assist with IP due diligence activities, assessment of litigation risks, and evaluation of IP licenses and other agreements, in support of lines of business.
• Coordinate on strategic topics with other IP Counsel team members.
• Engage and manage outside counsel – no patent drafting or prosecution work required.
• Travel component up to 10%, including trips to various development locations.