Ip Specialist

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
REC Group is an international pioneering solar energy company dedicated to empowering consumers with clean, affordable solar power through high-quality solar panels with a leading power density. As Solar's Most Trusted, REC is known for its patented innovations and multiple award-winning products with reliable long-term performance. The cornerstone for REC's strong reliability is advanced and highly efficient manufacturing using Industry 4.0 practices. Founded in 1996 in Norway, REC has always been committed to a low carbon footprint in its solar materials and panels. REC is headquartered in Norway with operational headquarters in Singapore and regional hubs in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. As of December 2021, REC is part of Reliance Industries Limited, India's largest private sector company with revenues of USD 104.6 billion.

DESIGNATION : IP Specialist

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Intellectual Property (IP) Specialist is responsible for supporting the implementation of REC's IP plans and maintaining IP processes based on established policies. He/She will assist in overseeing and driving REC's IP portfolio management activities by analyzing and organizing information pertaining to IP portfolios to maximize and optimize business value, while ensuring compliance to IP-related legislation and guidelines, and participating in global IP enforcement matters. He/She is also responsible for facilitating continuous improvement and innovation activities within REC. Strong technical/engineering expertise with a keen interest in studying research publication/journals, patents, commercial and legal documents are expected must-haves.
- Work closely with R&D, engineering and operations to actively seek out patentable inventions
- Review invention disclosures, conduct interviews with contributors/inventors and accurately document such discussions
- Manage invention disclosures, REC's IP portfolio and Patent Review Steering Committee meetings
- Assist with drafting/reviewing patent specifications and preparing design filings
- Perform prior art searches and freedom-to-operate (FTO) searches
- Participate in global IP enforcement and FTO projects
- Review prior art documents, office actions and strategize approaches to responding to office actions in line with commercial and business strategy
- Monitor and docket patent/design prosecution deadlines
- Work closely with REC Legal and external counsels to coordinate patent/design drafting, filing and prosecution worldwide
- Perform patent landscaping studies/prepare patent benchmarking reports and present findings to top executives
- Assist to maintain, update and improve Knowledge Management Portal /System to manage confidential information, technology contracts, etc. ensuring accessibility only to key personnel
- Assist to develop standard operating procedures, guidelines, best IP practices
- Participate in IP audit, work with QMS team and assist with implementing standard operating procedures within an IP framework for the Technology Department
- Assist with developing IP training materials and delivering training to new hires and staff
- Participate in regular discussions with REC Legal to align on any developments in the company or industry impacting REC patent portfolio

QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor/Master/PhD, preferably in Engineering or Science
- Strong technical/engineering expertise with a keen interest in studying research publication/journals, patents, commercial and legal documents
- Preferably at least 3 to 5 years of experience in research/engineering/technical role and/or at least 3 to 5 years of relevant IP/patent research experience
- Proficient with patent databases e.g. ESPACENET, PATENTSCOPE, USPTO systems (PAIR, etc), GLOBAL DOSSIER, PatBase, PatSnap, is advantageous
- Proficient in Excel (e.g. running and creating functions, pivot tables, charts, etc.) and PowerPoint is advantageous
- Inquisitive and passionate about new and emerging technologies especially in renewable energy and in IP
- Excellent organizational skills with an eye for details
- Thinking out-of-the-box with strong analytical and reasoning skills
- Versatile and able to navigate quickly to focus on core issues and prioritize important tasks
- Good communication skills in English, both spoken and written