Job Description

Our organization is seeking a paralegal to manage the paralegal group in its European patent department based in Moorgate, London. 

The job role will include developing, optimizing, implementing and maintaining clear and effective standard operating procedures for the paralegals in the group; managing and supervising their workload; mentoring and advising team members; acting as lead for all matters relating to the European patent assets in the patent database; and leading paralegal projects for the European patent department.

The successful candidate should possess strong oral and written communication skills, be self-motivated, have strong leadership skills and be able to work collaboratively in a team.  The candidate should also have a demonstrated capacity to manage a team and their deadlines and have experience in prioritizing multiple tasks efficiently in a high workload environment.

The role will report to the Head of the European patent department, manage paralegals in the UK and work with paralegals in NL and US, as well as European and US patent attorneys and Administrative Associates, and individuals from other business functions. This role will be accountable for ensuring continuous cycles of improvement that enable collaboration, drive more efficient ways of working and ensuring that EPO and national patent office procedural rules are complied with. 

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred CIPA paralegal qualification required

Required experience and Skills

Extensive prior relevant experience in a European patent department in a pharmaceutical industry or equivalentExperience of managing a team, including managing team workload, providing instructions, coaching and advising on paralegal issues and reviewing, as necessary, paralegal work product for completion and accuracyExperience of international and European patent filing and prosecution, including proven experience and deep understanding of PCT and EPO rules, laws and procedures, and use of EPO’s Electronic Filing System and electronic forms.Experience of EPO opposition proceedingsExperience of EP validations in EP national countriesExperience of filing SPCs/SPC extensions in the EU, GB, Switzerland and other SPC eligible countriesUnderstanding of regulatory documents required and rules for filing SPCs/SPC extensions in the EU, CH and GB and maintenance of SPCs and SPC extensions in these countriesAdvanced proficiency with patent database and docketing systemsAdvanced proficiency in EPO patent filing systems as well as other EPO digital systems (e.g. MyEPO Portfolio, Central Fee Payment) and international patent filing systemsStrong technical skills; proficient in all Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Word and Excel; familiarity with Legal technology (including UPC CMS system, eBilling/Matter Management, SharePoint, etc.)Experience in project management; leading large-scale projects/programs, preferably in a patent department or firm; understanding of full project lifecycle managementStrong business partnering and oral and written communication skillsStrong data analytic skills including proficiency with data visualization tools and techniquesAn ability to be flexible in approach and manage through areas of uncertainty and in periods of high workloadSelf-motivated/independent/resourcefulStrong leadership skills with a willingness to lead, create new ideas, and be assertive

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Closing date for applications: 25/02/2025

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

02/26/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:R332167