(Trainee) European Patent Attorney – Chemistry

ppTo support the continued growth of our patent practice, we are looking for an enthusiastic and highly skilled bEuropean Patent Attorney or Trainee European Patent Attorney with expertise in chemistry /b to join our team. /p pWhether 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. /p h3ABOUT THE JOB /h3 pDepending on your level of experience and qualification, your responsibilities will include: /p ul liAdvising clients ranging from innovative start-ups to multinational companies on patent matters. /li liManaging and supporting the management of national, European and international patent portfolios. /li liConducting patent searches and providing patentability opinions. /li liDrafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications before the EPO, the Belgian Patent Office, WIPO and foreign intellectual property offices. /li liHandling and assisting with examination, opposition and appeal proceedings. /li liAdvising on and contributing to infringement and freedom-to-operate analyses. /li liAssisting clients in developing and implementing pragmatic IP protection strategies. /li liLiaising with clients, foreign associates and intellectual property offices worldwide. /li liMonitoring legislative and case law developments and translating these into practical advice for clients. /li liWorking closely with a team of experienced patent and trademark attorneys, legal professionals and paralegals. /li /ul h3YOUR PROFILE /h3 pbEducation: /b 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. /p pbChemistry expertise: /b 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. /p pbPatent expertise: /b 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. /p pbTechnical understanding: /b 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. /p pbLanguages: /b Excellent written and oral communication skills in Dutch and English; knowledge of other languages is a plus. /p pbMindset: /b Pragmatic, proactive, client-oriented, self-motivated and eager to develop your expertise. /p pbSkills: /b Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to handle confidential matters discreetly and prioritize effectively. /p pbTeamwork: /b Ability to work independently while collaborating seamlessly within a team. /p h3OUR OFFER /h3 ul liHigh-quality IP work in an international environment. /li liContinuous professional development opportunities. /li liFor trainees, dedicated training and guidance towards qualification as a European Patent Attorney. /li liThe opportunity to work alongside and learn from experienced IP professionals. /li liA competitive salary complemented by fringe benefits (meal vouchers, group insurance, laptop, smartphone, etc.). /li liHybrid working arrangements, including part-time teleworking. /li liA dynamic team with enthusiastic colleagues. /li liAn endless supply of coffee and fruit. /li /ul h3ABOUT US /h3 pDe Clercq Partners is an intellectual property firm with offices in Sint-Martens-Latem, Leuven and Hasselt (Belgium), serving both local and international clients. The firm maintains a top-tier ranking and is one of the largest independent intellectual property firms in Belgium. /p /p