Salomon is a leading global innovator in outdoor sports gear and apparel, with a focus on pushing the boundaries of performance through cutting-edge design and technology. With a diverse portfolio that includes over 360 patents spanning across multiple technical fields, Salomon is committed to protecting its intellectual property to drive future growth. Combining expertise in mechanical engineering, materials science, and sports technology, Salomon leverages its robust IP strategy to maintain a competitive edge and create long-lasting value for its global customer base.
Salomon are seeking an experienced patent attorney to join their team on site in Annecy and report to the General Counsel, specializing in the field of mechanical engineering or physics.
THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE CANDIDATE
The appointed individual will be responsible for handling significant patent work throughout the entire patent lifecycle. They will collaborate with business units to define a strategy for protecting Salomon’s innovations, including determining the type of protection needed and its geographical scope, while also managing communication between the patent department, R&D teams and key internal stakeholders.
In summary, the candidate will:
- Encourage innovation within R&D teams, assessing the potential of each innovation, and identifying which products can be protected in alignment with the company’s strategy.
- Safeguard innovative concepts and designs by overseeing drafting, filing, extensions, and following procedures until the title is granted.
- Ensure the freedom to operate (FTO) for innovations and new products by conducting prior art searches.
- Keep track of patents and models and perform competitive analyses.
- Manage actions related to maintaining intellectual property rights, including opposition and nullity proceedings.
- Oversee the budget for patent and model portfolios and ensure related compliance.
- Collaborate closely with the Legal Director to defend the company in pre-litigation and litigation scenarios involving third parties.
- Identify and analyse potential patent and model infringements.
The successful candidate will ideally possess the following qualifications, experience and attributes:
- Part or fully-qualified European Patent Attorney.
- Possess several years’ relevant experience.
- Technical expertise in mechanical-related fields.
- Experience in either private practice and/or industry.
- A goal-oriented individual with a drive for results and a passion for innovation.
- You should have well developed communication and relationship building skills, especially with your internal stakeholders.
- Knowledge of AI would be welcome, but is not a necessity.
- Fluency in oral and written French and English.
