Patent Associate (Fixed-Term - Maternity Cover)

The Patent Associate supports one or more Reckitt business categories by providing patent and design expertise across the full innovation lifecycle. The role is responsible for managing and advising on global patent and design matters, supporting innovation programmes and helping to protect and maximise the value of Reckitt's intellectual property assets. Reporting to the Patent Director, the role partners closely with R&D, Regulatory, Commercial, Innovation and Legal colleagues to deliver practical, commercially focused intellectual property advice in support of Reckitt's growth strategy. The Patent Associate works both independently and collaboratively within the Global IP & BP team and in particular the Global Patent team to develop, protect and enforce intellectual property rights across global markets.,

• Manage patent and design portfolios for one or more Reckitt categories or technology areas.
• Partner with R&D and innovation teams to identify, assess and protect inventions and design innovations.
• Draft, file and prosecute patent and design applications through external counsel and agents worldwide.
• Provide freedom-to-operate advice, validity assessments and strategic patentability opinions.
• Conduct competitor monitoring, patent landscape reviews and technology intelligence activities.
• Contribute to opposition, enforcement and litigation activities where required.
• Build strong relationships with business stakeholders to ensure intellectual property considerations are integrated into innovation and business decisions.
  
  Qualified or near-qualified European Patent Attorney and/or UK Patent Attorney.
• Experience in patent drafting, prosecution and freedom-to-operate analysis.
• Strong technical background in chemistry, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or related disciplines.
• Experience managing patent and design matters in private practice, industry or a combination of both.
• Experience communicating complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders in a clear and commercial manner.
• Exposure to FMCG, consumer health or innovation-driven businesses would be advantageous.
• Experience conducting patent landscape and competitor monitoring activities would be beneficial.
The skills for success Patent Strategy, Patent Drafting, Patent Prosecution, Design Protection, Freedom to Operate Analysis, Invention Harvesting, Intellectual Property Risk Management, Portfolio Management, Competitor Intelligence, Technology Landscaping, Stakeholder Management, Commercial Awareness, Legal Communication, Influencing, Innovation Partnership, Problem Solving, Project Management, Collaboration and Business Partnership.

Home to the world's best loved and trusted hygiene, health, and nutrition brands. Our purpose defines why we exist: to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We are a global team united by this purpose. Join us in our fight to make access to the highest quality hygiene, wellness, and nourishment a right and not a privilege. Legal Step into the world of our Legal and Compliance Function and prepare to be challenged and stretched with a combination of impact, innovation, and excellence. Our Legal team is at the forefront of shaping the corporate landscape and redefining the boundaries of what is possible. We go beyond the traditional realms of a legal and compliance function. Transforming ourselves into strategic partners who help drive business growth, mitigating risks, and championing ethical and sustainable practices. Every day, our team deliver on groundbreaking transactions and navigate complex regulatory landscapes that help our organisation make a positive societal impact. Join us, and you'll be collaborating towards shared goals, solving complex challenges, and leaving an enduring legacy.