(Trainee) European Patent Attorney – Chemistry

To support the continued growth of our patent practice, we are looking for an enthusiastic and highly skilled European Patent Attorney or Trainee European Patent Attorney with expertise in chemistry to join our team.

Whether you are already a qualified European Patent Attorney or looking to develop your career towards qualification, this position offers the opportunity to work on a broad range of patent matters for Belgian and international clients, ranging from innovative start-ups to multinational corporations.

If you think you are the right match for the following opportunity, apply after reading the complete description.

ABOUT THE JOB

Depending on your level of experience and qualification, your responsibilities will include:

• Advising clients ranging from innovative start-ups to multinational companies on patent matters.
• Managing and supporting the management of national, European and international patent portfolios.
• Conducting patent searches and providing patentability opinions.
• Drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications before the EPO, the Belgian Patent Office, WIPO and foreign intellectual property offices.
• Handling and assisting with examination, opposition and appeal proceedings.
• Advising on and contributing to infringement and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Assisting clients in developing and implementing pragmatic IP protection strategies.
• Liaising with clients, foreign associates and intellectual property offices worldwide.
• Monitoring legislative and case law developments and translating these into practical advice for clients.
• Working closely with a team of experienced patent and trademark attorneys, legal professionals and paralegals.

YOUR PROFILE

Education: PhD in Chemistry. For the European Patent Attorney position, qualification as a European Patent Attorney is required. For the Trainee European Patent Attorney position, you are motivated to work towards this qualification.

Chemistry expertise: Expertise in organic chemistry and analytical techniques is required, combined with expertise or knowledge in one or more of the following areas: polymer chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry or materials science.

Patent expertise: Depending on your level of experience, you have a strong understanding of, or a keen interest in developing expertise in, patent drafting and prosecution, including patent claims relating to formulations, mixtures and Markush structures.

Technical understanding: Ability to understand complex chemical inventions, engage in technical consultations with chemists and researchers, and translate or learn to translate their inventions into clear and legally defensible patent claims.

Languages: Excellent written and oral communication skills in Dutch and English; knowledge of other languages is a plus.

Mindset: Pragmatic, proactive, client-oriented, self-motivated and eager to develop your expertise.

Skills: Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to handle confidential matters discreetly and prioritize effectively.

Teamwork: Ability to work independently while collaborating seamlessly within a team.

OUR OFFER

• High-quality IP work in an international environment.
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• For trainees, dedicated training and guidance towards qualification as a European Patent Attorney.
• The opportunity to work alongside and learn from experienced IP professionals.
• A competitive salary complemented by fringe benefits (meal vouchers, group insurance, laptop, smartphone, etc.).
• Hybrid working arrangements, including part-time teleworking.
• A dynamic team with enthusiastic colleagues.
• An endless supply of coffee and fruit.

HOW TO APPLY

Are you a qualified European Patent Attorney looking for your next challenge, or are you ready to develop your career towards becoming one?

Send your CV and motivation by e-mail to Jarne Herman at .

ABOUT US

De Clercq & Partners is an intellectual property firm with offices in Sint-Martens-Latem, Leuven and Hasselt (Belgium), serving both local and international clients. xlxgzvr The firm maintains a top-tier ranking and is one of the largest independent intellectual property firms in Belgium.