Senior IP Counsel – Business Partner Licensing Business Unit (m/f/d) – 4601

United Kingdom, Slough

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across three continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

In a global capacity, the Senior IP Counsel-Business Partner roles include, but are not limited to, (i) providing expert and business-relevant advice to Lonza’s Licensing Business Unit leaders on IP strategy, transactions and patent filings globally; (ii) drafting and negotiating IP licenses and other IP-related contractual provisions and (iii) managing, building, protecting and enforcing the Licensing Business Unit’s intellectual property portfolio. The incumbent will be required to perform strategically and work independently and in team environments to provide sound business-oriented counseling on IP matters. He/she may also mentor individuals within the IP/Legal Department.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafts and negotiates IP license agreements, R&D agreements, MTAs, and other IP-related agreements, and provides IP input regarding CDAs, and other agreements.
• Decides and directs IP strategy aligned with Business Unit strategy or R&D program strategy.
• Builds, manages, protects, and enforces the Business Unit’s IP portfolio.
• Leads strategic/risk review of post-grant proceedings and other inter-party matters.
• Formulates IP enforcement and defensive positions, as well as design-around strategies.
• Supports IP due diligence in M&A projects.
• Provides or supervises Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) analyses. Decides and recommends on course of action, including risk assessment and risk mitigation.
• Prepares and conducts quarterly, biannual or annual global IP portfolio reviews in area(s) of responsibility as business partner.
• Counsels in area(s) of responsibility as business partner on patent matters and patent strategy.
• Counsels on an expert basis (consistent with the IP department policies and procedures) on all aspects of IP law in all Lonza relevant jurisdictions and reconciles conflicting laws, risks and complexities related thereto.
• Reviews or supervises the review of publications (advertising material, scientific articles, presentations or posters, etc.) in the area(s) of responsibility as business partner.
• Decides and delivers necessary IP training required in area(s) of responsibility as business partner.
• Provides IP litigation support and supervises, coordinates, or leads enforcement or defense activities in the area(s) of responsibility as business partner.

Key Requirements

• Scientific Degree (Masters or PhD preferred) in the field of chemistry however biology with strong chemistry background is acceptable
• Qualified Patent Attorney: EP, CH, UK, DE, or US.
• Must be business fluent in English; German is advantageous.
• Advanced years of experience within corporate IP department and/or IP law firm
• Proactive, problem-solving, independent and autonomous, self-motivating personality, a good team player.
• Excellent communication skills required.
• Ability to negotiate internally and externally, and often at higher levels.
• Excellent in prioritizing work, and coordinating diverse and complex activities.
• Proven ability to work well with diverse personalities in a team as well as cross functionally.

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.

People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.

Reference: R57546

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