Overview
Welcome to nChain – a global leader in blockchain technology. Our cutting-edge solutions have earned us a spot among the Top 100 most innovative firms in the world, as recognized by LexisNexis.
Since our establishment in 2015, we have been offering software, consulting services, and IP licensing to clients looking to benefit from the security and scalability of the blockchain. We work across several sectors, including iGaming, supply chain, and financial services. Our suite of commercial applications and solutions, ranging from CBDCs to Data Integrity, is supported by an industry-leading patent portfolio of over 4000 patent rights.
We believe in a world where everyone can create and exchange value freely. As the DNA of blockchain, our mission is to power the peer-to-peer economy, enabling efficient value-exchange for everybody. We believe micropayments, data ownership, privacy, and authenticity are critical parts of our digital future that the current internet lacks.
At nChain, we are proud to have a team of over 260 talented individuals spread across three offices. Our people are passionate about blockchain technology, and work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the best possible solutions to their needs. Join us and be part of a team that is shaping the future of online transactions.
The Senior IP Counsel role reporting to the Chief IP Officer will be responsible for growing and strengthening nChain’s patent portfolio to generate exclusivity in key product features and patent rights that are of interest for 3rd parties to license and enable their business.
RESPONSIBILITIES
We expect you to
Responsibilities:
1. New Invention Capture & Processing:
- Lead the identification of innovation worth protecting (e.g. patents) in the Research and Product work products in line with the IP strategy.
- Contribute to the Innovation Strategy taking into account IP trends and commercialisation needs.
- Contribute to IP decision making processes.
- Manage, instruct and review patent drafting to ensure protection is appropriate and commercially useful
2. Active IP Portfolio Management:
- Lead decision making relating to worldwide patent protection in line with IP strategy
- Lead existing portfolio strengthening and mining activities to provide enhance protection for nChain products and licensing activities
- Lead outside counsel’s work to ensure examination process leads to a useful protection for nChain’s business
3. IP Infringement Risk Management:
- Liaise with Product team to ensure risk of IP infringement is identified and mitigated
- Reporting and explaining the IP risk position to senior stakeholders
- Process IP monitoring information and proactively detect IP infringement risk
4. Due-diligence and defense of the portfolio:
- Detect IP rights worthy of patent acquisition or licensing-in to further strengthen the portfolio including leading due diligence work to come up with a business rational for such transactions
- Lead proceedings with the support of external counsel to defend the validity of IP rights disputed by 3rd
Experience & REQUIREMENTS
We are looking for
Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in, Engineering, Science, or Software or any related field required; advanced degree (JD, PhD) preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in intellectual property law and management, with a focus on patent prosecution, portfolio management and patent licensing. Prior experience in a corporate in-house team setting a plus.
- Qualified European Patent Attorney (EQE) or equivalent national certification required. Qualified representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) a plus.
Skills
- Proven track record of shaping strong IP portfolios fulfilling corporate strategies.
- Proven team management experience a plus.
- Strong understanding of patent, copyright, and trade secret law and practice.
- Good leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organisation.
BENEFITS
What we offer
We are offering a competitive salary including excellent benefits on top:
Benefits at nChain
Accident Assurance
Sickness Benefits
Pension Plan
25 days of annual leave with holiday roll over max 5 days, plus any canton bank Holidays
Flexible working
Great office location
Food and drink at the company updates
Annual company parties
APPLY NOW
If you believe that this position suits you, then we kindly ask you to send us your CV.
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