Head of Intellectual Property (IP) Mechanics Tires (m/f/d) - Executive - REF76195O

Our R&D Tires organization constantly drives innovations and leverages existing internal and external knowledge in order to design and develop the best-performing and most sustainable tires on the market in the most efficient way.   

As Head of Intellectual Property (IP) Mechanics Tires, you will lead the IP Tires Mechanics team and be part of the IP Tires Management team, contributing to shape our Tires IP and R&D strategies to achieve our common goals and objectives. You will report directly to the Head of IP Tires with the following main responsibilities to protect and leverage the organization's intellectual property assets, ensuring competitive advantage and fostering innovation in the fields of Mechanics, Electronics and Digital Solutions:  

• Patent Management: Contributing to develop and deploying the Tires Mechanics IP strategy and managing the process of patent applications, including drafting, filing, and prosecuting patents to protect technical innovations in the field of Mechanics, Electronics and Digital Solutions
• Copyright Management: Overseeing the protection of original works related to mechanical engineering, such as technical drawings, software (including Free and Open Source Software), and documentation
• Trade Secret Protection: Implementing measures to safeguard confidential business information and proprietary processes
• IP Litigation and Enforcement: Managing legal actions to enforce IP rights and defend against infringement claims
• IP Licensing and IP related contracts: Negotiating and concluding license and other IP related contracts
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensuring compliance with IP laws and regulations, and managing risks associated with IP assets
• Inventor Renumeration: Managing inventor remuneration process and calculation  
• IP Education and Training: Providing training and resources to employees on IP best practices and policies
• Leading, motivating and developing the team, growing team capabilities and steering active talent development
• Budget responsibility for IP Mechanics department  

• Academic degree either in engineering or natural science with the qualification as patent attorney (Germany, EPO or similar) or in law 
• Expert knowledge and extensive experience in patent law and related regulations, processes, authorities for all relevant countries   
• Broad experience in managing IP and related functions in a global technology- and manufacturing-driven environment  
• International experience (desirable) as well as cross-functional and/or cross-organizational experience is an advantage  
• Advanced negotiation, contracting and consulting skills, as well as ability to drive collaboratively for win-win solutions  
• Preferably experience in IP software solutions
• Fluent in Business English and German  
• Strong business- and customer-orientation as well as ability to drive execution  
• Passion for new technologies  

Applications from severely handicapped people are welcome.

We offer the following benefits:

• Out of Tariff salary contract
• 30 day of paid vacation per year 
• Attractive career development opportunities 
• We offer balanced working conditions by doing mobile work, working part-time, flexible working time as well as Sabbatical options
• Cross-Border mobile work options up to 40 days per year from other EU countries
• Company Pension plan
• Attractive employee benefits with discounts
• Diverse offers that support a better “work-family” balance (e.g. company childcare places and free emergency care for your children)
• Discounted access to the Egym Well-Pass for accessing sport facilities across Germany  
• A highly diverse environment across our location
• A new canteen on site with a variety of lunch options 

If this sounds like a perfect match for you and if you want to become the next supporter of our core values: Trust, for one another, passion to win and freedom to act - we are looking forward to receiving your application.

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging are important to us and make our company strong and successful. We offer equal opportunities to everyone - regardless of age, gender, nationality, cultural background, disability, religion, ideology or sexual orientation.

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Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2022, Continental generated sales of €39.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 57 countries and markets.

With its premium portfolio in the car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tire segment, the Tires group sector stands for innovative solutions in tire technology. Intelligent products and services related to tires and the promotion of sustainability complete the product portfolio. For specialist dealers and fleet management, Tires offers digital tire monitoring and tire management systems, in addition to other services, with the aim of keeping fleets mobile and increasing their efficiency. With its tires, Continental makes a significant contribution to safe, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility.