Patent Counsel Global IP

Location

Zwijnaarde

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

Intellectual Property

Join the team

Agriculture plays a fundamental role in fulfilling many of humanity’s basic needs: food, feed, and energy. To support growers and those who take care of our environment, BASF develops innovative solutions for farming, pest control and landscape management – so that we can effectively contribute to improving people’s lives and business’ demands. Come join us on our journey at the Innovation Center Gent of BASF Belgium Coordination Center CommV.

We are looking for a Patent Counsel turning innovation in the area of plant biotech and breeding into effective IP value. Our multidisciplinary and international team supports BASF’s cutting-edge innovation pipeline dedicated to the development of novel seeds and traits.

Responsibilities

Your tasks include the close contact with inventors, IP management, and R&D of the business division to counsel on all IP-related questions.
Also, you are responsible for analyzing BASF’s research and development results with regard to the protectability and value of achievable protection.
You draft patent applications and handle examination proceedings before the respective patent offices.
You defend our patent portfolio in legal proceedings before patent offices and courts as well as secure freedom-to-operate for the business vis-à-vis our competitors.
In addition, you support and coordinate patent litigation proceedings together with external law firms and support the build-up of a strategic patent portfolio.
You analyze the monitoring of 3rd parties’ patents together with colleagues from IP Intelligence.
You are responsible for designing IP portfolios that are optimally aligned with the business strategy and ensure that they are used worldwide to enforce business interests.
Finally, you draft and negotiate IP-related contracts such as licenses, joint development agreements, or cooperation agreements in interdisciplinary teams and conduct IP trainings for the business.

Qualifications

Degree (M.Sc. or PhD) in biology, biotechnology, (bio)chemistry or related field.
Completed training as European Patent Attorney.
At least four years IP experience in an industry IP department and/or major law firm.
Proven understanding and experience in drafting and prosecution of patent applications in biology, biotechnology or (bio)chemistry.
Experience in drafting and negotiating IP related contracts such as licenses and cooperations
Business fluency in English. Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage.
A business-oriented mindset, enthusiasm for challenging IP questions and openness to work in interdisciplinary teams in a diverse and international environment.

Benefits

Responsibility from day one in a challenging but dynamic work environment and “on-the-job” training as part of a committed team.
Competitive compensation including attractive benefits.
Development discussions and programs so that you can reach your full potential.
A dynamic team with enthusiastic colleagues.
Onboarding to help you settle in quickly, ensuring you are part of the BASF team from day one.
A good work-life balance with possibility of remote working according to the company policy.

Come join us in bringing the lab to the field

About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division

Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That’s why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. We invest in a strong R&D pipeline, combining innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture. In 2023, our division generated sales of €10.1 billion.

For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or our social media channels.

Application process

1. Application

You found the job you like on our website. Time to hit that ‘apply’-button and let us know who you are through the application form.

2. First encounter

We are intrigued by your application and call you immediately. At this point you can expect questions like: What motivates you? And what are your skills?

3. Interview

The call went great! So here you are, ready for your interview with HR and a hiring manager. We want to know more of your story and of course, you can ask about our story as well.

4. Contract

Welcome to our team. When can you start? So we can everything ready for your first day. You know, computer, paperwork, cake, balloons …

5. Onboarding

We welcome you with open arms and get you up and running. Including our eye-opening bootscamp, from the lab to the field.