Senior Patent Attorney

Location: Plymouth, Mi 

Salary Range: $ 123,000.00 to $ 136,000.00

About SKF:

SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow!

In September of 2024, SKF announced the separation of its Automotive business, with the objective to build two world-leading businesses. The role you are applying for will be part of the automotive business. This means you will have the opportunity to be a part of shaping a new company aimed at meeting the needs of the transforming global automotive market.

Would you like to join us in shaping the future of motion?

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030.

We’re guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet.

We’re a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment.

Learn about SKF at www.skf.com.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Patent Attorney to be our patent expert in the US. As part of the global IP department with a direct reporting line to the Director of Global IP, this role requires close collaboration with colleagues across our international IP team. You will be responsible for managing all patent-related activities within the US, ensuring compliance with local and international IP regulations, and providing strategic guidance to our business units.

Your key responsibilities

• Patent Strategy & Management: Develop and implement IP strategies aligned with the global IP strategy and the company’s business objectives in the US.
• Patent Prosecution & Filing: Manage patent applications, prosecutions, and office actions, also in collaboration with external counsels and authorities.
• IP Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Conduct freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses, patentability assessments, and due diligence for new technologies.
• IP Enforcement & Litigation: Monitor and enforce patent rights, provide litigation support, and manage potential infringements.
• IP Contracts: Define and collaborate on contracts with IP relevance, such as development agreements with external partners and license agreements, ensuring alignment with the company’s IP strategy.
• Collaboration & Advisory: Work closely with inventors, decision makers and management in R&D, legal, and business units to align the IP strategy with innovation and commercial goals.
• External Relations: Manage relationships with patent offices, external counsel, and industry partners to stay ahead of legal developments.
• Education & Training: Provide IP training and awareness programs for internal stakeholders in the US.
• IP Management Software & Process Improvement: Work within the globally used IP management software in accordance with defined processes and contribute to improving these processes.

Your qualification & experience

• Education: University degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• Certification: Qualified US Patent Attorney; additional international qualifications (e.g., European Patent Attorney certification) are a plus.
• Experience: At least 8-10 years working experience in patent law, ideally in an international company.
• Expertise: Strong knowledge of US and international patent laws, including prosecution, litigation, and enforcement.
• Languages: Fully proficient in English.
• Skills: Excellent analytical, collaboration, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to set priorities and work independently. A strong process mindset with the ability to work efficiently within structured workflows and contribute to process improvements.

What You’ll Love About SKF:

Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.

Work/Life Integration. SKF supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. Flexible work options available, depending on role.

Diversity in the Workplace.? At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation.

Best in Class Benefits. SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment.  Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more!

Bonus. SKF offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.

Invest in your Future. Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution:  100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.

Reports to: Manager IP Automotive Aerospace and Others

Location: Plymouth, Mi 

Job ID: 22793

SKF provides equal employment [and affirmative action] opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

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