Element Six, part of the De Beers’ Family of Companies, is a world leader and innovator in supermaterials. The company specializes in providing superhard material solutions such as synthetic diamond and cubic boron nitride (cBN) for industrial use. Diamond and cBN products are primarily used in the manufacture of tools for construction, precision machining, and drilling applications. In addition the Technologies Division, which produces synthetic diamond via a CVD process, explores opportunities making use of diamond’s other extreme properties, e.g. optical, thermal and semi-conducting properties, for other markets such as environmental and defence. Intellectual Property (IP) is seen as a vital component as it plays a central role in the company’s business operations.
Following a successful recruitment earlier this year, the company has an additional need for a high-calibre Senior Patent Attorney. Due to a growing amount of work emanating from new business development initiatives and collaborations the need is for a Senior Patent Attorney who will be responsible for IP issues pertaining to one of the business areas as well as taking on responsibility for complex agreement and licensing work across the Element Six Group.
The successful candidate will be responsible for all IP issues pertaining to a designated Abrasives business area as well as managing agreements and licenses across the business units. Element Six is focusing on its innovation strategy resulting in a number of joint ventures and new business development initiatives requiring more complex agreements. The role will have strong a commercial element
Reporting to the Head of IP, the main thrust of the role will be to liaise pro-actively with associated teams in the Element Six group, advising senior management in the Commercial and Development teams (e.g. the Business Directors) as to the best way forward, both in terms of technical direction and IP protection. The role may focus on one or more of the group’s business divisions dependant on the workload. It should be noted that work within these divisions may involve international travel to some or all of the following: Germany; Ireland; and South Africa. You will be based at Chiswick Park in West London, the location of Element Six’s Group Services Centre.
Candidates will possess a good degree in Materials Science, Physics or Chemistry, be a qualified EPA and CPA and be able to demonstrate a successful career to date, either in industry or private practice, if prior industry experience is demonstrated. Reporting to the Group Head of IP, this key role requires a Senior Patent Attorney who is commercial in outlook, and capable of providing IP advice to senior management teams. You should also be a ‘team player’, pro-active and organised with highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant company in a key position and to contribute to the development of a growing department as well as professional and sophisticated IP policies.