Senior Patent Counsel (m/f/d)

As Senior Patent Counsel at Clariant, you will shape IP value by steering strategy, portfolio management, and high-stakes litigation. You will advise senior leadership on IP matters, represent the company before the European Patent Office, and drive cross-border IP initiatives within a global team. The role focuses on securing freedom to operate, enforcing rights, and leveraging IP to support Care Chemicals business goals. This position offers broad impact across legal, technical, and commercial dimensions in a multinational setting.

• attractive remuneration
• social benefits
• hybrid work model
• international, diverse workplace

• Register, enforce and defend technical IP rights worldwide
• Lead post-grant procedures and represent before the European Patent Office
• Provide analyses and opinions on infringement, freedom-to-operate and validity
• Manage IP-related litigations and lead licensing cases
• Draft contracts with technical background; support IP aspects in M&A projects
• Drive IP strategy aligned with Business Unit Care Chemicals
• Ensure IP compliance and inventor remuneration processes
• Coach IP Counsels and develop IP training materials

• Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field; Master/PhD preferred
• Qualified European Patent Attorney (EPO)
• 5+ years post-qualification IP experience
• Strong understanding of patent laws and procedures
• Ability to provide strategic IP advice to generate business value
• Fast grasp of business/tech environment for complex negotiations and litigation
• Strong contract drafting/negotiation skills in IP context
• Fluent in English; German an advantage

• Strategic advisory mindset
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Communication and coaching
• Patent litigation and licensing
• Freedom-to-operate analyses
• Post-grant procedures