The IP Searcher plays a crucial role in supporting the IP team and broader business through carrying out, managing, and coordinating comprehensive patent and trademark searches. The role includes maintaining records and managing regular IP monitoring activities within the IP team. The IP Searcher must possess strong research skills, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of IP databases and search techniques, including sequence searching and chemical sub-structure searching. Additionally, the IP Searcher works independently to coordinate and instruct external counsel and search organizations on behalf of CSL and the IP team. The role involves developing and evolving the search capabilities of the IP function and may include mentoring junior staff. You will report to the Head of IP Digital & Technologies (IP LT).
Responsibilities and accountabilities
Design, coordinate, and conduct IP searches using various databases to identify relevant prior art, patents, trademarks, and other technical or commercial information, including keyword, sequence, and chemical substructure searches. Support attorneys in reviewing and analyzing search results to assess patentability, freedom to operate, and IP risks. Provide search support for other IP areas such as litigation, domain names, INN, or ODD.
Communicate search approaches, queries, and results clearly to the IP team and other stakeholders, highlighting key findings. Work independently to coordinate and instruct external counsel and search organizations, managing relationships and proactive search activities. Contribute to the management of CSL's third-party IP monitoring activities, including recording, processing, and acting on search results.
Participate in cross-functional teams to deliver IP projects such as patent landscaping, competitor analysis, portfolio reports, and due diligence. Maintain accurate search records in line with company policies. Drive the development and adoption of new digital technologies and tools to improve search efficiency and scope, collaborating with external providers to develop integrated IP search management tools.
Job specifications
Bachelor's degree in life sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology) or a related field; Master's or PhD preferred. Certification in patent/trademark searching is highly regarded. Minimum 5 years, ideally 8+ years, experience in patent searching within life sciences. Experience with keyword, sequence, and chemical substructure searching is highly desirable. Proficiency with patent databases such as USPTO, EPO, WIPO, Derwent Innovation, PatBase, SciFinder, or similar. Understanding of patent and trademark classification systems, laws, and prosecution processes. Strong computer literacy, including MS Office and database management. Ability to manage commitments across different time zones. The role can be based in Bern, Zurich, Melbourne, Waltham, or King of Prussia.
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