Team Lead, Patent Support Europe

Your responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Files  and supervises EP/international and foreign patent applications and related correspondence from filing to issuance of grant, including preparing all documents required in connection with EP, Patent Corporation Treaty (PCT) and foreign applications; proactively prepares simple responses to official communication and notifications.
• Maintains and shares expert knowledge of latest patent rules and adapting practices to comply and supervise or train patent support team members to ensure staff are knowledgeable and proficient in carrying out filing and prosecution procedures accordingly. 
• Monitors electronic docket for responsible attorney(s) and assigned paralegal tasks on a daily basis ensuring that all related deadlines are met in a timely manner.
• Independently, proactively and critically reviews, maintains and assists responsible attorney(s)’ dockets and workload.
• Coordinates outsourcing, transfer in and transfer out of patent files and responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner, minimizing risk of loss of rights.
• Ensures that all appropriate documentation is completed in accordance with applicable procedures for each stage of patent filing and prosecution.
• Undertakes projects to address global patent prosecution and other patent support issues affecting the department.
• Communicates autonomously and effectively with team members, management, colleagues, inventors, foreign agents and other associates.
• Is a member of the Global Patent Support leadership team and actively participates in Patent Support and IP meetings.
• Role includes on an as needed basis the flexibility to provide support in other areas within the IP and Legal Support team (i.e. annuities, invoicing and data input).
• Leads or participates in teams developing procedures and processes, including process improvement to enhance efficiencies, including addressing global patent prosecution issues affecting the department.
• Conducts and chairs meetings.
• In line with Novartis Leadership principles, sets targets and objectives, monitors and manages workload and performance, conducts performance appraisals, and trains and coaches direct reports on site to ensure alignment and objectives are met
• Responsible for hiring and staffing the patent paralegal team on site.
• Responsible for training all new patent paralegals on site and dealing with other patents administrative staff to ensure that they are complying with Novartis best practices.

What you'll bring to the role:

• Relevant degree, Law - Paralegal/equivalent IP certification or equivalent experience 
• Proficiency in English required – spoken & written, other languages is an asset.
• Demonstrated professional experience as a patent paralegal in a patent law firm or corporation with international and foreign filing experience.
• Ability to deal with a highly complex environment - manages workload and work product with high quality.
• Advanced knowledge and competency of patent database and report generating tools.
• Ability to work well and meet deadlines, without supervision, in an electronic office environment.
• Well-developed research and critical thinking skills, and sound decision-making abilities, with attention to detail to produce consistently accurate work
• Excellent analytical skills, organizational, and communication skills.
• Liaise with other cross-divisional groups to prevent duplication of effort and to ensure that effective knowledge sharing occurs.
• Demonstrates leadership qualities and ability to recruit, train, manage and develop IP paralegal team members and lead a local paralegal team as part of one cohesive IP Support team across all IP sites
• Knowledge of IP and document management systems and Microsoft Office

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and accommodation:

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.