Patent Attorney

About the role

We are looking for a dynamic European Patent Attorney who is passionate about working at the interface between biology , technology and data-driven innovations. Join our team and be a key player in connecting our cutting-edge R&D with strategic IP objectives . What are you going to do? As a qualified European Patent Attorney, you collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement IP strategies that align with our technological advancements and business goals. You will be working on the interface between biology, technology, and data-driven innovations. In this challenging role, you keep up with new techno logies and industry trends to spot IP opportunities and risks. Furthermore , you play a key role in securing Enza Zaden's freedom - to - operate (FTO) position and in protecting the key inventions of the company . You will work in a small, dedicated team consisting of a Formalities Officer, a Patent Attorney Trainee, and an IP Manager. This IP Team is embedded within the Legal Department. Your responsibilities include: Discuss technical developments with inventors , and maintain detailed records of IP -related activities and documentation, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements ; Evaluat e invention disclosure forms and other scientific / technical documents in the context of the company's policy , to assess whether a technical development is patentable and worth patenting ; Prosecut e Enza Zaden's patent applications (worldwide) and manag e interactions with outside counsel s ; Assess third party patent documents with a view to potential relevance, validity and strategies to maintain FTO ; Perform or coordinate FTO searches and analyses for assigned crop s or technologies. Monitor (validity of) competitors' patent applications and patents and inform relevant internal clients when potential threats are identified . Manage and check content of opposition proceedings with our external (patent) attorneys and prosecution of more complex patent applications. Create awareness and contribute to the train ing of various colleagues in other departments on matters of IP. Contribute to the execution of the IP St r ategic Plan supporting key elements relating to seed technology research a nd data-driven innovations . Where necessary, create new ways of working in existing functions of an organization to enable or improve the implementation of the strategy. Support and coach other members of the IP team, including the mentor ing of patent attorney trainee ( s ) . Your Power and Capabilities You will work in the exciting field of IP for an innovative global market leader in the seed industry. You are a fully qualified, seasoned European Patent Attorney who has great interpersonal skills. With your knowledge of biology or biotechnology and your experience in data-driven innovations, you further strengthen the IP Team and the Legal department . Your excellent communication skills enable you to construct bridg es between the IP Team, other functions within innovation and technology , and external patent advisors. You are curious and like to work in an international environment . You have a strong analytical mind and are able to shift rapidly between different perspectives, from focusing on detail to seeing the big picture and back again. You take responsibility for developing the IP strategy for your own domains, together with the IP Manager. You start initiatives of your own and are a pragmatic problem solver . In addition, you : Are a qualified European Patent Attorney having at least 5 years of experience as an in-house attorney ; Hold an MSc or PhD in biology or biotechnology Have relevant experience in handling innovations that are related to data, computer algorithms, and/or artificial intelligence. Have a demonstrable track record of managing a global patent portfolio Can pro-actively organize a challenging workload; Are a team player with a strong sense of responsibility and the capability of working independently; Ideally, hav ing experience in driving change in an organization, especially regarding the creation of new cross-functional working structures. Are proficient in English and preferably Dutch. Enza Zaden as your employer With more than 3,000 passionate team members across the world, we're on a daily mission to develop the finest vegetable varieties. Our goal? To deliver seeds with that special something: vegetables with better taste, better yields, and better resistance. On our mission to feed the world, we challenge ourselves to gain deeper insights and find the next breakthrough. We grow and innovate together, and everyone's contribution is valued. Throughout our 86 years, our family values, passion, independence and our focus on innovation have truly set us apart. Over 480 million people eat our vegetables every day, something we are very proud of! Our passion isn't just a trademark; it's our driving force, propelling our rapid growth. If you'r