Auckland CBD, Auckland
Intellectual Property Law (Legal)
Full time
We are looking for an exceptional Patent Attorney to join our Biotechnology team at AJ Park in either Auckland or Wellington.
If you’re inspired by brilliant thinking, come and work with our team of IP experts at one of Australasia’s leading IP firms and help protect, build and grow some of the world’s most exciting ideas and innovations.
This role provides an excellent mix of local and overseas client work, working with some of New Zealand’s largest companies and universities as well as overseas pharmaceutical companies and research institutes, on some truly fascinating developments and inventions in the biotech space.
Patent Attorneys help clients to navigate the best path to enforce their intellectual property (IP) rights and assisting them in dealing with any challenge by third parties involving IP rights. They hold deep experience in the field of IP rights and strive to build the practice and the eminence of the firm.
You will have exceptional communication skills, with the ability to think commercially and critically when providing advice for clients. You will exhibit a strong commitment to your own professional development and expanding your IP expertise.
The Role
Technical
- Assesses client invention proposals
- Advise on patentability and whether third party rights may be relevant
- Prepares, files and prosecutes patent applications in NZ, Australia and internationally
- Advising on infringement and validity
- Drafting patent specifications with a global focus
- Patent portfolio management
- Assistance with contentious matters
- Advises and guides on IP Strategy
Leadership
- Proactively manages client relationships
- Provides leadership and coaching to junior and assistant team members
Marketing and business development
- Acts as an ambassador for the firm, actively driving business development and building the AJ Park profile.
- Authors articles on relevant topics, presents at relevant industry events where required
In order to be successful in this role you will have:
- Registered Trans-Tasman, UK, EP and/or US patent attorney
- 6+ years post-qualification experience
- Bachelor’s degree or post-graduate degree in biotechnology
- Patent opposition and/or litigation experience advantageous
- A high level of skill in writing against prior art
- Experience in managing time recordal and excellent financial discipline
- Experience in leading and mentoring junior/trainee attorneys
- The ability to build and drive your own practice, actively participating in business development
- Exceptional organisational skills including an ability to prioritise and meet competing deadlines
What’s in it for you?
- We offer rewarding careers to talented individuals, competitive salary and incentive package, and a holistic range of benefits to support your life balance, whatever your circumstance. These include:
- Annual paid Wellbeing Benefit
- An array of additional wellness benefits such as free confidential counselling services, access to our Wellbeing portal with an extensive range of advice and resources, free flu vaccinations and subsidised sporting events
- Flexible leave options, including the ability to purchase additional annual leave
- Gender-neutral support for all stages of the parental journey – check us out on the GoCrayon Parental Leave Register
- Paid time off for volunteering and involvement in citizenship activities
- Medical insurance
- Mobile device allowance
- Hybrid working across a mix of office, client and remote, and the option of flexible working. This recognises that our people have individual circumstances and preferences when it comes to where, when and how they work
- The ability to work from overseas and extend time connecting with friends and family outside of New Zealand
- Professional development offerings across all career levels
- An invitation to join your local office social club and enjoy events aimed at bringing people together
- Beautifully renovated offices in a central city location, close to transport hubs
We believe that diversity of background and experience strengthens relationships and delivers meaningful benefits to our people, clients and communities. Our goal is to be recognised as an employer of choice for all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, generation, flexible work status, family circumstances, sexual orientation or disability. If you have access needs and require support or adjustments to participate equitably in the recruitment process, please contact Emma Wood ((04) 474 0886 or emma.wood(at)ajpark.com
Who are we?
We are not your typical law firm. We dress for our day, have a flat structure and a collegial environment where bringing your whole self to work is at the heart of who we are.
AJ Park is the IP Firm of choice in New Zealand. We support our clients with intelligent action and
are well respected both within the patent profession and the clients we work with.