Patent Attorney - Global IP

About the Position

We are looking for a Patent Attorney – Global IP. This position is based at our office in Reutlingen, Germany (primary location), with an optional office location in the Munich area.

The Patent Attorney at Marelli will play a critical role within the Global Intellectual Property team. Reporting to the Global Director of Patents, this position primarily supports the Automotive Lighting division while also supporting other technology areas across the Marelli organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute patent filing and prosecution strategies aligned with the objectives of an assigned technology or division.
• Draft and prosecute German, European and international patent applications (including EP and PCT applications).
• Manage global patent portfolios related to an assigned technology or division and coordinate with external patent attorneys and agents.
• Conduct invention harvesting sessions and support inventors in identifying patentable innovations related to an assigned technology or division.
• Provide freedom‑to‑operate analyses and strategic guidance to engineering and product teams related to an assigned technology or division.
• Support the Global Director of Patents with enforcement and defensive strategies including EPO oppositions.
• Contribute to global IP policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Stay informed about developments in European and international patent law.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education:
  • Degree in a technical field (e.g., electrical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, or similar)
  • Qualified European Patent Attorney (EPA) admitted to European Patent Office required
  • Qualified German Patent Attorney admitted to German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) preferred
• Experience:
  • Minimum 7 years of patent drafting and prosecution experience, with at least 3–5 years in‑house experience. Experience in a multinational or manufacturing company is advantageous.
  • Experience in managing global patent portfolios and conducting infringement analyses.
  • Experience in automotive, electronics, lighting, or related technologies is advantageous.
  • Strong analytical, drafting, and strategic thinking skills.
  • Fluency in English.

Skills

• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills, with the ability to balance legal and business considerations effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and confidently to non‑legal stakeholders.
• Detail‑oriented with strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team and to collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and Microsoft Office suite.
• Committed to professional development and maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of legal practices and industry trends.

Other Skills We Would Welcome

• Knowledge of UPC practice before the Unified Patent Court.
• Experience with SEPs or standards‑related patents.

Expectations From You

• Provide reliable and accurate IP advice and support to internal stakeholders, helping to drive the achievement of Marelli’s goals and objectives.
• Provide strategic, business‑oriented patent advice.
• Independently manage complex patent matters.
• Identify risks and opportunities within the patent landscape.
• Drive high‑quality invention harvesting programs.
• Manage external counsel effectively and cost‑efficiently.
• Contribute to a high‑performing Global Intellectual Property team.
• Stay updated on relevant developments and apply knowledge to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to assist in the resolution of legal issues.
• Contribute to the maintenance and organization of legal documents, contracts, and databases, ensuring compliance with record‑keeping requirements.
• Stay informed about laws and best practices.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders to identify legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

Position Offers

• A strategic role within Marelli’s Global Intellectual Property team.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge automotive lighting, electronics and other automotive technologies.
• Opportunity to shape and influence global patent strategy in the assigned technical area or division.
• Collaborative international environment.
• Professional growth within a global innovation‑driven organization.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Marelli, we believe in the importance of diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We are committed to nurturing talent in our diverse environment and foster creativity and innovation through the unique perspectives of a multicultural community.