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Leveraging its deep expertise as the global leader in catalysis and precious metals, BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) serves customers in many industries including automotive, aerospace, indoor air quality, semiconductors and hydrogen economy, and provides full loop services with its precious metals trading and recycling offering. With a focus on circular solutions and sustainability, ECMS is committed to helping our customers create a cleaner, more sustainable world. Protecting our elements of life is our purpose and this inspires us to ever-new solutions.

ECMS operates globally in 15 countries with approximately 20 production sites and over 4,000 employees.

As a Senior Patent Agent you will LEAD by……

In this role, the Senior Patent Agent is integral in the continued development and protection of the global chemical patent portfolio, working under the oversight of the Patent Operations Leader.

If selected for this position, you will be expected to provide high-quality legal support in a timely and effective manner. You will be a pivotal link between the R&D, Business Development, and Legal teams. In addition, you will support the development and implementation of the BASF Global IP Strategy, working collaboratively with counterparts in the US and Germany. You will identify and pursue valuable intellectual property generated in a dynamic research and development environment.

The position requires an individual with initiative, strong patent analysis skills, and extensive experience in patent portfolio development, including preparing patent applications and obtaining patents with limited to no supervision, plus a degree, or equivalent experience, in the chemical arts.

In this role you will

• Manage a global patent portfolio in line with the Global IP Strategy, including:
  • Obtain robust patent protection for critical technologies and products with limited to no supervision.
  • Act as IP project leader for individual research projects, global business units, and operating divisions; identify and articulate opportunities for patent protection; and develop, advocate, and implement patent strategies.
  • Lead patent portfolio reviews with business units and operating divisions.
  • Independently draft, file, and prosecute patent applications before the USPTO, including conducting examiner interviews and negotiations with the agency, with limited or no supervision.
  • Directly manage and provide detailed filing and prosecution instructions and drafts to U.S. and foreign patent counsel.
  • Prepare and manage the patent portfolio budget, aligning with business unit and operating division goals, and proactively seeking cost saving measures without compromising quality or patent scope.
  • Conduct competitive analysis of patent portfolios with a detailed understanding of BASF ECMS products and technical developments.
  • Provide training on IP issues to R&D and business colleagues.
• Provide patentability advice with limited to no supervision, conduct (under direction and supervision of counsel) analyses, including infringement and validity assessments, and perform landscape analyses.
• Support patent-related due diligence for commercial transactions, such as collaborations and licensing.
• Effectively communicate with IP colleagues, businesses (e.g., IP Managers, management, R&D) in Germany and other global sites at all levels in the organization, regarding patent matters, departmental and overall BASF ECMS processes, and to proactively address other concerns.

Your elements for success…….

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Arts or a related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience on Intellectual Property and/or legal teams.
• Registration before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• In-depth understanding of US patent law, and general knowledge of foreign patent laws, including Europe and Asia.
• Self-starter as well as team player, working well with other patent practitioners and support staff.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a changing environment, prioritize demands, and use keen judgment.
• Proficiency in working with intellectual asset management software (e.g., Anaqua), the USPTO Electronic Filing System (EFS), and PAIR.
• Experience in the chemical industry, particularly related to catalysts (e.g. emission catalysts) and related devices.
• Background in a corporate environment preferred, including experience working with various functional groups, building strong and enduring relationships.
• Experience in intellectual property post-grant procedures and litigation.
• Transactional and contract experience, particularly as it relates to protection of intellectual property and due diligence.
• Practical laboratory experience in chemistry or a related field.

You @ BASF ECMS

At BASF ECMS you get more than just compensation, Medical & Dental. Our total offer includes a wide range of elements you need to be your best in every stage of your life.

• Flexible Work Arrangements whenever possible
• Retirement Benefits with company contributions
• Competitive Medical and Dental Plan Options
• Disability and Life Insurance Programs
• Wellness Programs
• Maternity/Paternity Leave, Infertility & Adoption reimbursement
• Mentoring & Development Programs
• Employee Discounts
• Pet insurance

What are you waiting for? Click Apply now to BELONG@BASF!!

BASF ECMS takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact HR4U.US@basf-catalystsmetals.com to report fraud.

BASF ECMS is committed to pay transparency practices. The competitive Pay Range for this role is $135k-$165k annually. Actual pay will be determine based on education, certifications, experience, and other job-related factor permitted by law.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status.