Patent Attorney

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. With products like VELO, VUSE and GLO we are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry.

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for a Patent Attorney in Globe House, London or Southampton – permanent role.

Providing counsel and materials to support and execute Group Patent legal strategy to inform business decisions and maximise commercial opportunities, whilst ensuring legal compliance and mitigating business risk.

Responsibilities:

• Providing counselling to the Group on risks posed by third party patents across one or more areas of responsibility (e.g. R&D CoE or E2E Product team) and implementing risk mitigation strategies.
• Undertaking invention mining/harvesting, drafting and patent prosecution activities across areas of responsibility.

As a member of the BAT Group Patents team, you will be expected to contribute to and execute all aspects of the work in a manner which:

• Provides a value-added service to central management functions and relevant R&D CoEs or Product teams.
• Delivers high quality, solution-orientated advice on all aspects of work.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing robust legal advice to facilitate our business and protect the Group’s interests by identifying, communicating and managing potential risks presented by third party patents across one or more commercial areas (e.g. Vapor, THP, Modern Oral, Beyond Nicotine and Combustibles). Advising end markets, Marketing, R&D, Ops and other key functions on potential risks and working collaboratively with these stakeholders to put in place risk mitigation plans.
• Establish and maintain a strong and sustainable patent portfolio which protects our key innovations.

• Undertake all invention mining/harvesting and patent drafting activities.
• Implement filing strategies to maximise our competitive advantage from our key innovations.
• Contribute to the generation and maintenance of patent filing lists for the HP/Vapor/MO categories in line with the commercial strategy for each Business Unit.
• Implement prosecution strategies to protect our innovations and maximise the commercial opportunities that can be derived from our key innovations.

What are we looking for?

• Previous experience of identifying, communicating and effectively managing potential risks presented by third party patents and of executing innovative, pragmatic, cost effective filing and prosecution strategies which will maximise our competitive advantage from our key innovations.
• Commercially astute with a clear understanding of FMCG businesses and proven ability to understand and support strategic aims.

Technical / Functional Skills Required:

• Ability to assimilate and undertake strategic analysis of complex legal and business issues in line with overall business strategy.
• Detailed knowledge and practical experience of patent laws and working knowledge of related laws including trademark, copyright, designs, competition, contract, commercial and data protection laws.
• Ability to assess IP clauses in commercial agreements, including licences, settlement agreements, assignments, with considerable attention to detail, accuracy and consequences.
• High level understanding of tax and financial implications of commercial and contractual decisions.

Leadership Skills Required:

• Skilled in engaging and communicating in simple, clear and coherent manner.
• Good interpersonal skills, sound judgement, good decision making and the ability to inform and influence at a range of levels both internally and externally.
• Ability to manage priorities and meet commitments with a track record of successfully completing projects.
• Ability to work across functions, building consensus and support.

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required:

• Professionally qualified as either a European or national patent attorney with up to 5 years’ post qualification experience in the Patents field (in any of the mechanical, electrical engineering or chemical fields), including drafting, prosecution, FTO, agreement, contentious and non-contentious matters.
• Candidates close to qualification will also be considered.

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
• Your journey with us isn’t limited by boundaries; it’s propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn’t just a statement – it’s a reality we’re eager to build together.
• You’ll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills.
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles.

We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.

We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for.

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