Are you inspired by “what’s next”? So are we.

When you join the Albemarle team, you contribute to a better tomorrow. You will play a role in powering many of the world’s largest and most critical industries, from energy and communications to transportation and electronics. We are putting innovation to work to improve people’s lives and we want YOU to be a part of it.

Job Description

Role Summary

This highly visible leadership role will be a key strategic business partner to our Bromine R&D, Process Technology and Quality, and Commercial teams, responsible for intellectual property matters of significant complexity and impact to our Bromine business unit.  This role will partner with the Bromine business to drive development and implementation of intellectual property strategy and will help facilitate a broad range of agreements, transactions and collaborations in support of the strategy.

Expert in patent matters, able to apply knowledge of applicable law strategically in order to achieve desired commercial outcomes for Albemarle. Uses business knowledge and broader industry awareness to assist in the development of long-term patent strategy, proactively anticipating commercial and competitive implications in a highly dynamic industry.  Creative in thinking about third party risk and competition, understanding the relevance of Albemarle’s intellectual property to third parties and vice versa. 

Responsible for giving advice and taking action necessary to protect Albemarle’s intellectual property and prevent infringement of third party intellectual property.  Able to provide prompt, practical legal advice regarding a broad range of intellectual property matters, including patentability, claim strategy, patent value, infringement risk, validity and contractual matters.

Essential Functions

• Effectively partner with and advise the Bromine R&D, Process Technology and Quality, and Commercial teams to drive appropriate development and implementation of intellectual property strategy across the portfolio
• Provide advice that is strategic, thoughtful and clear on intellectual property matters of significant complexity and impact
• Communicate clearly and concisely, having the ability to translate complex matters into simple terms digestible by a wide range of audiences
• Review, draft, and negotiate a broad range of agreements related to intellectual property including confidentiality, non-analysis, joint development, collaboration, licensing, procurement and sales agreements
• Provide IP support in connection with complex strategic transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other collaborations
• Analyze, research, and prepare freedom to operate/non-infringement opinions
• Draft and file patent applications
• Manage patent portfolio for Bromine business including:
  • Patent prosecution
  • Patent opposition
  • Manage outside law firm activities, including international filings

• Manage trademark portfolio and new trademark clearances for Bromine business
• Prioritize intellectual property activity within Bromine business
• Provide opinions on enforceability of Albemarle patents
• Effectively interface with and manage outside counsel
• Manage Bromine IP budget

Education and Experience

• JD from an accredited law school and technical experience in a scientific field; MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry preferred 

• Registered to practice before the USPTO and member in good standing of at least one state bar association
• 8+ years experience with a wide range of IP matters, including experience in managing IP portfolios and related IP issues and matters
• Extensive patent preparation and prosecution experience, including management of application drafting and prosecution by outside law firms, as needed, and management of foreign filing and prosecution activities
• Experience managing all IP issues associated with a multi-national company or business division including agreements, freedom to operate, and patentability-related issues
• Extensive patent infringement analysis and opinion drafting experience
• Extensive patent validity analysis and opinion drafting experience
• Experience managing outside counsel
• Merger and acquisition experience

Choose to unlock your full POTENTIAL. Apply today.