Intellectual Property Counsel, Scent

Requisition ID : 485422  

Job Description

It’s an exciting time to be part of the IFF family! We are a global leader in value-added ingredients, providing our customers with a broad range of innovative solutions for the food and beverage, home and personal care, and health and wellness end markets. We are world-class innovators with expertise in the areas of taste, texture, scent, nutrition, enzymes, cultures, plant-based proteins and probiotics and are guided by our purpose: applying science and creativity for a better world.

We are now looking to welcome a new IP Counsel to join our industry-leading legal team. The position will support the IP needs of the IFF Scent division and will be based at our site in the Copenhagen, Denmark area. You will report to the head of IP Legal for our Nourish & Scent divisions and be part of our global team of 25 IP legal professionals.

Your key responsibilities:

• Act as in-house IP counsel for IFF’s Scent division 

• Active prosecution and management of IFF’s global fragrance technologies and applications patent portfolio

• Identify new inventions and advise on IP protection strategy for new Scent innovations

• Drafting of patent applications for patentable inventions

• In-house filing and prosecution of EP patent applications

• Managing oppositions with outside counsel and providing litigation support with respect to global docket, as needed

• Carrying out patentability and freedom to operate assessments

• Review and draft agreements for R&D and Innovation projects and provide IP support to Commercial Legal for commercial contracts

• Providing general IP-related support and training to Scent R&D and Innovation operations globally, in line with business objectives

Job Requirements

Your Qualifications

• European Patent Attorney with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the following fields: Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering Biochemistry, Pharmaceuticals. A Ph. D in one of these fields is considered a plus.

• Fluency in English is required; command of other languages is a plus.

• Min. 6 years of relevant experience. A combination of top-tier law firm experience, and in-house legal position in an international company is preferred.

• Ability to proactively identify substantive issues and advise business clients directly, as well as providing guidance and practical solutions on a timely basis. Pragmatic business acumen with the ability to recognize the business consequences of legal advice.

• Strong organizational and project management skills with high level of attention to detail and accuracy.

• Global mindset and comfort working in a diverse, international environment.

• Ability to successfully manage multiple matters and meet deadlines within a changing, fast-paced environment.

• High energy and drive, including an ability to work beyond regular business hours, if necessary. Exudes a “roll-up-the shirt-sleeves” attitude.

• Demonstrative willingness to be a collaborative and consultative team player who possesses an ability to work well both independently and in a team environment.

• Excellent interpersonal/people skills and the ability to interact effectively at all levels of the organization and with outside counsel.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an ability to convey complex legal principles clearly and concisely.

• Mature judgment and experience handling confidential information with discretion.

We are a global leader in taste, scent and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

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