What we offer:
At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.
As Head of the Patent Department of Magna Powertrain, you will define and implement the patent strategy and advise the board and management on all matters related to intellectual property, patents, and licenses.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage all patent-related processes, from invention to legally granted intellectual property, including patent consulting, evaluating inventions, and overseeing externally conducted novelty searches
* Ensure effective intellectual property management for national and international entities, including deadline monitoring and fee payments, involving external service providers
* Participate in, enforce, and defend intellectual property rights and handle intellectual property disputes
* Manage employee inventions (work closely with the engineering community), determine inventor incentives, and handle legally required inventor remuneration
* Collaborate with technical patent managers and external patent attorneys
* Communicate with decentralized patent managers, especially those abroad
* Oversee the cost management of the department
* Cooperate with partners in patent and intellectual property searches, manage patent prosecution activities, evaluate third-party intellectual property rights, and participate in opposition proceedings against third-party intellectual property rights
Requirements and Qualifications
* Degree in engineering (or technical, mathematics-based subject)
* Patent attorney qualification at a national patent office
* Proven experience in practicing patent law in a patent law firm or corporate patent department, with a focus on the automotive industry (eDrive and powertrain technologies preferred)
* Experience in post-grant proceedings, with a focus on patent infringement proceedings
* Proven track record of leading and managing a global patent department
* Strong understanding of patent laws, regulations, and procedures in key jurisdictions
* Sound business judgment and communication skills
* Experience working in an international environment
* Fluency in German and English is required