Head of IP

Would you like to be part of a global, diverse and motivated Legal function team which is safeguarding Hempel with its robust strategy and process. Do you have a track record of developing company’s IP strategy or similar? Do you thrive in leading and guiding people in creating and implementing well defined IP processes? Then you might be our new colleague at Hempel.

This role is critical to improving our IP strategy and process

As the Head of IP, you will play a crucial role in devising and maintaining our overall IP strategies and streamlining our trademark and patent processes. You will be reporting to the General Counsel and work closely with our R&D organization, the Legal team and the Product Management team and help create and improve focus on IP rights in general in the Hempel Group.

You will be responsible for managing all aspects of our IP portfolio including patents, trademarks, copyrights etc.

Here’s some of the other things you can look forward to:

In this role you will need to

• Lead and develop the IP Team which currently consist of three colleagues in the Patent Team and ensure full integration into Hempel and the Global R&D organization. Consistently building a clear understanding of the capabilities and potential of the team.
• Work with stakeholders to define and maintain the overall IP strategies for leadership positions.

• Setting the direction and proactively driving the invention harvesting and patenting process across R&D and being responsible for patent filings and prosecution strategies.
• Own patent handling system for ensuring safe and efficient file storing and maintenance of Hempel’s patent portfolio.
• Securing Hempel’s FTO on R&D products by FTO searches and surveillance of competitor patents. Devise mitigation strategies when relevant and act accordingly.
• Responsible for procedures and guidelines related to patenting and FTO.
• Own the process for New Solution (NS) Patent/FTO assessment and act accordingly.
• Supporting the organization by providing and maintaining an overview of patent landscapes for leadership areas and new technologies.
• Patent training in R&D to promote inventions and enlighten potential inventors on the patenting process and expectations.
• Proactively assisting the organisation outside R&D (e.g., GrowHub) in patenting and FTO mitigation when relevant.
• Responsible for owning the Trademark portfolio and for securing cost-efficiency as this is being managed and maintained by an external provider.

The successful candidates

The ideal candidate for this role would need to have a proven track record in a similar role preferably in a global, matrix organization. In addition to solid work experience within IP, we value collaboration and this is something that comes easy to you. And that it comes with a positive attitude and genuine care for the people around you without losing the focus on the end goal.

Qualifications and skills:

• 10+ years of experience as Patent specialist/Patent attorney (inhouse and/or patent consultancy firm).
• Minimum MSc or equivalent in chemistry, or related discipline.
• Preferably European Patent Attorney (EPA).
• At least one year of previous experience on a managerial position
• Strong people leadership skills and ability to encourage and motivate team members.
• Ability to prioritize and ensure that the team attend to deadlines.
• Facilitate a high quality of the team’s deliveries.
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Good Stakeholder management and project management skills.
• Track record of making things happen and delivering on commitments.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Application and further information 

To apply for this position, please submit your application letter with a CV in English via our recruitment system by clicking the link ‘Apply‘.

For any queries on the role, you may reach out to VP, General Counsel Tanja Kobbernagel on TABKO@hempel.com

Final deadline for applications is 3rd February 2025. 

More about Hempel

At Hempel, you are invited to join a team of dedicated individuals and become part of a global community with 7,500 colleagues around the world. 

We are committed to promoting a workplace that values unique backgrounds, perspectives, and talents. Creating an inclusive environment where each employee can bring their authentic selves to work is crucial for our success in shaping a brighter future with sustainable coating solutions. 

We recognize that our journey must be persistent. We are dedicated to continually developing and improving our efforts and have a variety of programs and initiatives such as a global 16 weeks paid parental leave policy from day one, Inclusive Leadership Training, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, an internal Women’s Network, and mandatory Anti-Harassment Training. This is not a complete list, but essential in ensuring that every employee feels the responsibility of protecting our inclusive culture by treating each other with respect. 

Application due

Seniority Level

Job Functions

Industry

Chemicals

At Hempel, you’re welcomed to a global community of +7000 colleagues around the world. A workplace built on shared trust, mutual respect and support for each other. 

We’re on a mission to double our impact. To succeed, we need bright minds and team players. Which is why, from day one, your input, ideas and initiative are not only welcomed, but expected. In return, you will enjoy great opportunities for development in a growing global company – and be part of the solution by contributing to our global impact. 

At Hempel, we are committed to everyone feeling safe, valued and treated equally, in an environment where each employee can bring their authentic selves to work.  We believe that inclusion is key to innovation and by bringing together the most diverse perspectives and talents,  we can achieve great things, together.