WHO YOU ARE

• Qualified/Finalist UK/European Patent Attorney (about 5 years’ experience)
• Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or related discipline.
• Proven patent portfolio management experience.
• Good understanding of key IP issues for telecommunications, including standard essential patents (SEPs), smart tech and internet of things (IoT), machine learning and software.
• Excellent communication skills, demonstrating an effective and adaptable communication style, to engage and influence internal and external stakeholders, and deliver pragmatic IP advice in a business-friendly way.

NOT A PERFECT FIT?

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly? At Vodafone we are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.

WHO WE ARE

You may have already heard of Vodafone - We’re a leading Telecommunications company in Europe and Africa. But what you might not know is that we are continuously investing in new technologies to improve the lives of millions of customers, businesses and people around the world, creating a better future for everyone.
As part of our global family, whether that’s Vodafone, Vodacom or _VOIS, you’ll feel a sense of pride and purpose as you contribute to our culture of innovation. We pursue equality of opportunity and inclusion for all candidates through our employment policies and practices. We recognise and celebrate the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our workspace and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination especially related to but not limited to race, colour, age, veteran status, gender identification, sexual orientation, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, religion, political affiliation, trade union membership, nationality, indigenous status, medical condition, HIV status, social origin, cultural background, social, or marital status.
Together we can.

GroupResourcing #GroupTalentAcquisitio

Vodafone is highly innovative within cellular communication technology, often in partnership with other companies. Vodafone owns thousands of patents, in a range of technical areas, including cryptography, radio networks, 5G, IoT, blockchain implementation, and digital platforms, and we continually adapt our portfolio as Vodafone moves deeper into the digital technology space. This role within the Patent team has a broad range of responsibilities, including advising the organisation on managing and getting value from its intellectual property. The new team member will support the Lead Patent Attorney in implementing Vodafone’s IPR strategy by managing Vodafone’s portfolio of patents and registered designs, harvesting inventions, instructing outside attorneys, and engaging closely with innovators.

• Manage a large portion of the existing patent portfolio and build relationships with innovators to mine, harvest and patent inventions to add value to our businesses.
• Instruct outside counsel in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications as well as advise developers on open source software licenses. (training can be provided)
• Manage and build Vodafone’s portfolio of standards-essential patents (SEP) and our relationships with patent pools in which Vodafone is a licensor and ensure maximal monetisation of the portfolio.
• Provide IP training, tailored to technical and non-technical colleagues in other Vodafone teams.
• Participate in and, at times lead, strategic initiatives, policy and best practices development, and training for mitigating IP risks and optimising IPR value for businesses.