Patent Counsel (F/M/X)

Solvay is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

About the role

Our Intellectual Assets Management (IAM) team, composed of 15 people, is integrated in the General Counsel & Corporate Secretary Function, and focuses on developing and implementing legal IP strategies, advising on IP challenges and opportunities, protecting, managing, defending and enforcing IP and reviewing and negotiating IP agreements.

As a Patent Counsel, you will contribute to the definition of the IP (Intellectual Property)  strategy together with the business, and you will work on the protection of inventions and of know-how, on the freedom to operate (FTO) technologies, on oppositions against or invalidations of third party patents, and on patent or trade secret litigations. You will get the opportunity to contribute to increase the value of Solvay intellectual assets and have a positive impact on Solvay competitiveness. You will be accountable for: 

• Partnering, challenging and counseling internal clients (especially, within Coatis GBU) on opportunities to protect their inventions, and preparing opinions on their patentability;
• Oversee external law firms in drafting and prosecuting patent applications, managing the Coatis patent portfolio, and conducting IP-focused documentary searches (e.g., patentability, freedom to operate) in collaboration with technical specialists.
• Preparing opinions regarding freedom to operate, validity of third party IP rights and other IP-related matters;
• Consistently endeavoring to ensure respect of Solvay’s IP rights, including supporting Solvay teams (Business, Sales and Marketing, R&I) for detecting possible infringement acts and systematically advising on actions to be undertaken;
• Support IP enforcement and risk mitigation by monitoring competitor IP, sharing insights internally, managing oppositions or invalidations of third-party patents, and assisting in patent and trade secret litigation.
• Continuously deepening professional expertise and effectiveness of interactions with researchers’ community.

We offer a permanent contract based on hybrid (typically 2 days per week onsite) working mode.

About you

Master's degree in chemistry, doctorate in chemistry, university-level degree in chemical engineering or beyond.

At least 4 years of relevant work experience in private practice or as an in-house patent counsel of an industrial chemical company, notably in drafting and prosecuting applications and in preparing freedom-to-operate opinions.

Competencies:

• Fluent in spoken and written Portuguese at a native level, with excellent proficiency in both written and oral English.
• Strong background in organic and polymer chemistry, and solid understanding in inorganic chemistry
• Excellent knowledge of substantive patent law, and good knowledge of international patent systems and agreements (PCT, CUP, TRIPS, etc.).

Behaviors:

• Strong analytical and problem solving ability
• Comfortable working in a multinational, multicultural professional environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills together with the ability to relate easily at all levels within the organization, particularly to those in the Research and Business
• High motivation, with the ability to pro-actively organize a challenging workload and promptly adapt planning when confronted with unforeseen changes

About the pay

Attractive and equitable pay for all: compensation is determined within a range to foster your development in the role. The base pay reasonably expected for this role is R$ 169.000 to R$ 211.600 (with 30% harzard pay included and 13o salary) per month in Brazil.

Your salary may ultimately be higher or lower based on your skills and experience. Additionally, we provide a competitive total rewards package that includes a bonus and/or other incentives.

Benefits:

• Solvay Cares program: minimum of 16 weeks of parenting leave for all employees and package with healthcare, disability and life insurance coverage.
• Prioritization of well-being: work-life balance promotion, flexible approach to work part-time or hybrid work arrangements (depending on the type of job), employee assistance program with access to physical and psychological support.
• Professional development: prioritization of internal talents for career progression, access to a training platform, opportunities to join Employee Resource Groups (ERG) for experience sharing and mentorship and free language courses.

About us

• Solvay, a pioneering chemical company with a legacy rooted in founder Ernest Solvay's pivotal innovations in the soda ash process, is dedicated to delivering essential solutions globally through its workforce of over 9,000 employees. Since 1863, Solvay harnesses the power of chemistry to create innovative, sustainable solutions that answer the world’s most essential needs such as purifying the air we breathe and the water we drink, preserving our food supplies, protecting our health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, making the tires of our cars more sustainable and cleaning and protecting our homes. As a world-leading company with €4.7 billion in net sales in 2024 and listings on Euronext Brussels and Paris (SOLB), its unwavering commitment drives the transition to a carbon-neutral future by 2050, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and a fair and just transition.
• At Solvay, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

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