Senior Patent Paralegal / Senior Patent Paralegal

Job ID

REQ-10040975

Date Posted: May 06, 2025

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Summary

This role involves the independent management of complex intellectual property (IP) administrative, filing, and legal support tasks in a timely manner. Join a high-performing team that provides a diverse range of IP administrative support for a defined group of patent practitioners in regional, international, and foreign filing processes.

Your responsibilities will include maintaining and managing an accurate docket using a patent docketing system, along with providing expert knowledge of IP law and practice. You will undertake both operational and strategic responsibilities to enhance the effectiveness of paralegal support at local and global levels.

Additionally, you will contribute to the continuous improvement of departmental best practices and train others in the areas of European Patents (EP) and foreign patent matters. You will also lead teams within the Patent Support team focused on improving efficiency and processes.

About the Role

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Filing of EP/international and foreign patent applications and related correspondence from filing to issuance of grant.
• Managing EP and international patent filings, including nationalizations into foreign jurisdictions and foreign filings under other conventions.
• Preparing all necessary documents for EP, Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), and foreign applications; proactively initiating responses to official communications and notifications.
• Maintaining and sharing in-depth knowledge of the latest patent rules and adapting practices accordingly.
• Monitoring and updating electronic docket(s) for responsible attorney(s) and assigned paralegal tasks daily.
• Overseeing all assigned cases to ensure timely compliance with related deadlines.
• Conducting independent, proactive reviews and maintaining attorney(s)-docket and workload systems.
• Coordinating outsourcing and transfers of patent files and responsibilities promptly to minimize the risk of rights loss.
• Effectively communicating with colleagues, inventors, foreign agents, and other associates.
• Actively participating in patent group and cross-divisional meetings as necessary.
• Providing support in other areas within the Patent Support team as needed.
• Undertaking projects to tackle global prosecution and operational challenges within the department.
• Leading team initiatives for developing procedures and processes.
• Conducting meetings as required.
• Recommending improvements in efficiency for existing procedures and systems.

What You'll Bring to the Role

• Relevant degree in Law, Paralegal/Equivalent IP certification, or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in English required (spoken & written); other languages are an asset.
• Demonstrated professional experience as a patent paralegal in a law firm or corporation, including international and foreign filing experience.
• Ability to navigate a highly complex environment while maintaining quality in work products.
• Advanced knowledge of patent databases and report-generating tools.
• Capacity to work independently and meet deadlines in an electronic office environment.
• Strong research and critical thinking skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to liaise with cross-divisional groups to prevent duplication of effort and enhance knowledge sharing.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, with the capability to mentor and develop other paralegals.
• A commitment to championing the Patent Support team across NIBR sites.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Novartis is dedicated to fostering an outstanding, inclusive work environment and building diverse teams that reflect the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If you require accommodations due to a medical condition or disability during the recruitment process, or if you need more information about the essential functions of a position, please reach out at Show e-mail, providing details about your request along with your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis?

Helping people with diseases and their families requires more than innovative science; it demands a community of passionate individuals like you. Join us in a collaborative, supportive environment to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Join our Novartis Network

If this isn’t the right Novartis role for you, consider signing up for our talent community to stay connected and be notified about suitable career opportunities as they become available.

Benefits and Rewards

To discover the various ways we support your personal and professional growth, please refer to our benefits handbook.

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Division: Legal

Business Unit: Universal Hierarchy Node

Location: Switzerland

Site: Basel (City)

Company / Legal Entity: C028 (FCRS = CH028) Novartis Pharma AG

Functional Area: Legal & Intellectual Property & Compliance

Job Type: Full time

Employment Type: Regular

Shift Work: No