Patent Counsel

BAT

Jan 1

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Senior Level
Legal
Research & Development
London

Requirements

Previous experience of searching for, identifying and communicating infringement risks to senior stakeholders in conjunction with recommendations for commercially focused mitigation strategies.
Previous experience 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.
Ability to assimilate and undertake high level strategic analysis of complex legal and business issues in line with overall business strategy.
Detailed knowledge and practical experience of patent laws in US, Europe and Japan (as well as China) and working knowledge of related laws including trademark, copyright, designs, competition, contract, commercial and data protection laws.
Ability to advise on and 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.
Good interpersonal skills, sound judgement, good decision making and the ability to inform and influence at all levels both internally and externally.
Skilled in engaging and communicating in simple, clear and coherent manner at senior management level.
Ability to manage priorities and meet commitments with a track record of successfully completing projects.
Ability to work across functions, building consensus and support.
Professionally qualified as a European and UK patent attorney and would usually have at least 5 years’ post qualification experience in the Patents field in the mechanical/electronics or chemical/biotech fields, including FTO, drafting, prosecution, agreement, contentious and non-contentious matters.
Previous in-house experience.

Responsibilities

Providing counsel and materials to enable Senior Counsel, Patents 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 leading and being an integral part of a small team undertaking invention mining/harvesting, drafting and providing counselling on potential risks posed by third party patents in relation to pipeline products in relation to one or more Projects, E2E Product teams or NC R&D CoEs:
Implementing filing strategies to maximise our competitive advantage from our key innovations.
Implementing prosecution strategies to protect our innovations and maximise the commercial opportunities that can be derived from our portfolio.
Conducting robust search, identification and analysis of third-party patent rights to identify potential risks.
Communicating risks and recommendations for mitigation to enable stakeholders to make commercial decisions.
Establish and maintain a strong and sustainable patent portfolio which protects our key innovations in areas of responsibility.
Undertake invention mining/harvesting and patent drafting activities to support the Projects/CoEs of responsibility.
Contribute to the generation and maintenance of patent filing lists for the HP/Vapor/MO categories in line with the commercial strategy for the Business Unit.
Providing robust legal advice to facilitate our business and protect the Group's interests by identifying and managing potential risks presented by third party patents.
Advising R&D, Ops and other key functions on potential risks and working collaboratively with these stakeholders to put in place appropriate strategies.
Lead a team within Patents ensuring the team is, at all times, optimally structured and operating to meet the business priorities for its areas of responsibility.
Direct, co-ordinate and supervise their team in the identification, communication and mitigation of third-party risks as well as the team’s drafting work globally through the effective management and supervision of direct and indirect reports.
Lead, train and educate direct and indirect reports through constant and effective communication and feedback to ensure the team has full alignment with the business needs and provides to the business high quality, solution orientated and value-added advice on all patent issues.
Provide commercially focussed advice on key patent issues in a straightforward and compelling way directly to E2E Product Managers and CoE leads, enabling the business to deliver results whilst managing legal risk.
Develop and manage 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.
Cultivate 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.
Create a healthy, engaged and inclusive working environment for the team.
Manage performance and development reviews of team members on an active basis, ensuring regular meetings with direct reports to ensure strong motivation and development.
Take responsibility for the execution and delivery of key processes, protocols and governance as allocated by Senior Counsel, Patents.
Promote risk management and compliance culture ensuring consistency in application of IP policies and procedures on a global level within BAT.

FAQs

What is the job title for this position?

The job title is Patent Counsel.

Where is the location for this job?

The position is located at Globe House, London or Southampton.

What are the key responsibilities of the Patent Counsel role?

The key responsibilities include establishing and maintaining a patent portfolio, conducting invention mining and patent drafting, implementing filing and prosecution strategies, providing legal advice on third-party patent risks, leading a team, and managing relationships with external IP service providers.

What qualifications are required for this position?

Candidates must be professionally qualified as a European and UK patent attorney, usually with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience in the patents field, especially in mechanical/electronics or chemical/biotech fields.

Is previous in-house experience beneficial for this role?

Yes, previous in-house experience is considered beneficial.

What kind of benefits does BAT offer employees in this role?

BAT offers a market leading annual performance bonus, diverse health plans, work-life balance initiatives, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan, along with access to online learning platforms for personal growth.

What is BAT’s policy on inclusion and diversity?

BAT promotes a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and diversity, encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to thrive and supporting an environment where everyone can succeed irrespective of various factors.

Is there support for professionals re-entering the workforce after a career break?

Yes, BAT supports individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce through their Global Returners program.

What skills are required for effective leadership in this role?

The role requires good interpersonal skills, sound judgment, decision-making abilities, effective communication at senior management level, and the ability to manage priorities and build consensus.

How does BAT cultivate employee development?

BAT prioritizes continuous improvement and offers personalized growth programs to nurture leadership skills, fostering an environment of internal advancement.

BAT

Manufacturing & Electronics

Industry

10,001+

Employees

1902

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

BAT (British American Tobacco) is a leading international tobacco company engaged in the manufacturing, marketing, and sale of cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine-related products. With a presence in over 180 countries, BAT's primary focus is on satisfying consumer preferences and delivering quality products responsibly. Their ultimate mission is to provide adult consumers with a range of enjoyable and less risky alternatives to smoking traditional cigarettes, including vaping and tobacco heating products. BAT's purpose extends beyond the products they offer; they are committed to operating sustainably, promoting responsible farming practices, supporting communities, and advocating for the reduction of smoking-related harm. By leveraging their expertise and innovative approach, BAT aims to transform the tobacco industry and contribute to a future where tobacco-related harm is significantly reduced.

Culture & Values

We are bold
The people here are creative, adaptable and dedicated. These qualities form a powerful culture of resilience and a relentlessness to continually be better.
We are fast
On our transformation journey, speed really matters. We set clear direction for the future and move fast. I like that we work together as a team and share learnings with each other.
We are empowered
What I particularly like is that I’ve been given responsibility from day one. I have the freedom to come up with own ideas and drive decision making on the right level.
We are diverse
We absolutely value different perspectives and build on each other’s ideas, knowledge and experiences. BAT is a uniquely diverse organization where everyone can bring their difference.
We are responsible
Our A Better Tomorrow agenda gives a clear purpose to those working at BAT. We want to reduce the health impact of our business. I believe we all feel responsible for delivering upon this goal.