SLB, formerly known as Schlumberger, is a leading global provider of technology, project management, and information solutions in the oil and gas industry. Founded in 1926, SLB operates in over 120 countries, offering services that span the entire lifecycle of oil and gas reservoirs. The company is renowned for its technological innovation, with over 65 R&D centers worldwide developing cutting-edge solutions in areas like seismic imaging, well logging, and digital operations. SLB’s current IP portfolio includes over 15,000 patents. Committed to sustainability, SLB actively pursues initiatives such as carbon capture, methane emissions reduction, and renewable energy projects, aligning with global goals for environmental stewardship and energy security.
THE OPPORTUNITY
With longstanding operations in the Netherlands, SLB seeks to deepen its European presence and further enable its transition to cleaner energy sources globally. Headquartered in Texas, USA and with offices across the globe, the business is seeking a driven patent attorney (dual-qualified UK and European) to be based in its offices in The Hague. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, fast-paced environment, in a role that offers a blend of autonomy and impact, as the attorney will be responsible for managing a diverse IP portfolio, drafting and prosecuting patent applications, and providing strategic counsel to senior leadership. Working in collaboration within the global IP department who are spread across the US and Europe, the appointed person will contribute to the wider success of SLB’s cutting-edge technologies, ensuring that the company’s groundbreaking ideas are safeguarded and capitalized on.
The key responsibilities of the incoming individual will therefore include, but are not limited to the following:
New Application Filing Support
- Preparing and Filing Patent Applications: Coordinate the preparation and filing of EP / UK patent applications in collaboration with global IP attorneys.
- Global Coordination: Work closely with SLB in-house IP Counsels who handle first filings to prepare comprehensive filing packages for EP/UK patents.
- Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as the go-to expert on EP and UK patent filing practices and procedures, providing guidance and best practices to fellow IP Counsels.
Prosecution & Docket Management
- Managing Patent Dockets: Oversee EP/UK patent dockets efficiently, ensure cost-effective management and adherence to deadlines.
- Developing Prosecution Strategies: Formulate and execute prosecution strategies, prepare responses, and manage direct filings.
- Outsourcing Management: Identify and manage matters to be outsourced to preferred external counsel as needed.
Process Improvement
- Enhancing Efficiency: Propose and implement improvements to streamline patent filing and prosecution processes, aiming for cost savings and operational efficiency.
The Candidate
The successful candidate will possess the following:
- Dual qualification as UK Chartered Patent Attorney and European Patent Attorney.
- Excellent understanding of EP and UK patent law.
- Preferred technical background in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or Digital / Software.
- Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
- Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
- An organized professional with the ability to multi-task and prioritize.
- Ability to understand the needs of the business.
- The fluid nature of the organization requires that you have the ability to adjust to rapid changes and have agility in adapting to change.
