As true pioneers of the online grocery market, we've blazed a trail through an increasingly digital world, both leading and benefiting from the fast-increasing consumer shift to online shopping. At the heart of it all lies our technological know-how and unparalleled IP.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to join our legal team at Ocado Group. As a Senior IP Counsel, you will play a crucial role in protecting and managing our intellectual property assets. You will be accountable for all IP related issues within at least one of the eCommerce, data science, web shop or supply chain divisions of Ocado Technology. This will include identifying inventions and drafting and filing as required, identifying and monitoring trade secret creation and giving IP advice on commercial and where required transactional matters across the Ocado Group, both in the UK and internationally.
Reporting to the Chief IP Counsel, your collaborative approach will be a cornerstone of success. You will be expected to engage with colleagues at all levels, including executives, to foster partnerships that will drive sustainable growth for Ocado.
Bring your expertise in AI, Software, and Machine Learning to the table. We're looking for someone who can navigate the intricacies of these cutting-edge technologies, providing invaluable insights to safeguard our innovations.
In this role you will;
- Identify software innovation and decide on the appropriateness of different IP protection routes
- Draft applications in software and computer implemented invention areas
- Identify and document trade secrets within the Ocado software-based divisions
- Work collaboratively with the Commercial Legal team to provide IP advice on contracts and transactions involving Ocado's software – based IP portfolio
- Identify and monitor use of open-source software and providing commercial advice in relation to such
- Anticipate, identify and advise on IP in the context of commercial contracts and work collaboratively with the Compliance and Regulatory team on relevant matters
- Liaise and manage external patent associates effectively from a delivery, risk and cost perspective on a daily basis
- Work collaboratively with senior stakeholders across the Business up to the Executive Director level
- Contribute to the development of the IP team's strategy and proactively maintain and raise the profile of the IP and Legal teams by developing and taking forward team initiatives/objectives
- Develop and provide training and IP updates to the business on various areas of IP
About you;
- As a minimum you must be qualified UK or EP or US patent attorney with demonstrable experience in drafting and prosecuting software, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and computer implemented invention applications
- Ideally you will have In-house experience within similar technical subject matter area
- Previous experience of advising on commercial IP issues
- Some familiarity of IP issues within engineering design, manufacture, supply and licensing agreements, collaboration agreements, and IP terms and conditions within University collaboration agreements.
- >5 year PQE (although candidates outside this range who can demonstrate their ability to perform the duties of the role will still be considered);
- Demonstrable experience of working with senior management including at executive level and operating with broad latitude in complex environments;
What we offer you
Our employee benefits are designed for you, we care about people and we've ensured we have a wealth of benefits that focus on your well-being. We regularly review our benefits to ensure we are supporting our employees appropriately.
- 30 days ‘working from anywhere in the world' policy
- Wellbeing support through dedicated apps and an Employee Assistance Programme
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after 5 years service (plus optional holiday purchase)
- Pension scheme (various options available including employer contribution matching up to 7%)
- Generous Private Medical Insurance (within the first month of joining!)
- Income Protection (can be up to 50% of salary for 3 years) and Life Assurance (3 x annual salary)
- 22 weeks paid maternity leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave (once relevant service requirements complete)
- Train Ticket loan (interest-free)
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Free shuttle bus to and from Hatfield Train Station to the Hatfield offices
- Free shuttle bus to and from Welwyn Garden City Train Station to the Welwyn Garden City offices
- Opportunity to participate in Sharesave and Buy as You Earn share schemes
- 15% discount on Ocado.com and free delivery for all employees (within the first month of joining!)