Senior Patent Paralegal / Senior Patent Paralegal

Job ID

REQ-10040975

May 06, 2025

Switzerland

Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland

This role involves the timely and independent management of complex intellectual property (IP) administrative, filing, and legal support tasks. You will be proactively involved in a high-performing team providing a diverse range of complex IP administrative support to a defined group of patent practitioners in regional, international, and foreign filing. Responsibilities include maintaining and managing an accurate docket using a patent docketing system while providing expert knowledge and understanding of IP law and practice issues. You will undertake operational and strategic responsibilities to maximize paralegal support effectiveness at both local and global levels, contributing to the continuous improvement of department best practices. Additionally, you will train others in all areas of European Patents (EP) and foreign patent matters, leading teams within the Patent Support team to enhance efficiencies and current 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, patent nationalizations into foreign jurisdictions, as well as foreign filings under other conventions.
• Preparing all documents necessary for EP, Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), and foreign applications while proactively initiating preparation of responses to official communications and notifications.
• Maintaining and sharing advanced knowledge of the latest patent rules and adapting practices to ensure compliance.
• Monitoring and updating electronic docket(s) for responsible attorney(s) and assigning paralegal tasks daily.
• Ensuring timely compliance with all related deadlines for assigned cases.
• Conducting independent, proactive, and critical reviews of responsible attorney(s)' dockets and workloads.
• Coordinating outsourcing, transfer in, and transfer out of patent files and responsibilities efficiently, minimizing the risk of loss of rights.
• Communicating effectively with colleagues, inventors, foreign agents, and other associates.
• Actively participating in patent group and cross-divisional meetings as needed.
• Providing support in other areas within the Patent Support team, such as annuities, invoicing, and data input, on an as-needed basis.
• Undertaking projects to address global prosecution and operational issues affecting the department.
• Leading teams in the development of procedures and processes.
• Conducting meetings as necessary.
• Recommending improvements in efficiencies in procedures and systems.

What You'll Bring to the Role

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience, such as Law - Paralegal/IP certification.
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written; other languages are an asset.
• Demonstrated professional experience as a patent paralegal in a patent law firm or corporation with international and foreign filing experience.
• Able to manage workload and produce high-quality output in a complex environment.
• Advanced knowledge and competency in patent databases and report-generating tools.
• Ability to work well and meet deadlines in an electronic office environment without supervision.
• Strong research and critical thinking skills with sound decision-making abilities, attention to detail, and consistency in producing accurate work.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Capable of liaising with cross-divisional groups to prevent duplication of effort and ensure effective knowledge sharing.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities with the ability to mentor and develop the technical competence of other paralegals.
• Ability to act as a champion for the Patent Support team at a NIBR site.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

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

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis strives to work with and provide reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or disability, please reach out via email to diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com indicating the nature of your request and 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 takes a community of smart and passionate individuals like you, collaborating, supporting, and inspiring each other to achieve breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

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Benefits and Rewards

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Application Process

Interested candidates are encouraged to 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