Senior Patent Attorney - Greensboro, NC

Have you thought about how to feed the fast growing world population? We have. 

And we are looking for top talent to join our team!

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology.  The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market.  Sales in 2007 were approximately $9.2 billion.  Syngenta employs over 21,000 people in more than 90 countries.  Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). 

Senior Patent Attorney – Greensboro, NC

Role Purpose – 

The Senior Patent Attorney role in NAFTA Crop Protection has strategic responsibility for the protection of Syngenta Crop Protection intellectual property and establishment and expansion of freedom to operate in the business and technology areas and IP portfolio assigned from time to time. The position will involve all aspects of patent law with particular emphasis on application drafting, worldwide patent filing and prosecution, client counseling, evaluating patent validity and infringement issues, preparing and reviewing agreements, managing an IP portfolio, and managing the IP aspects of strategic projects as assigned, with a high level of knowledge and expertise. The position helps develop innovative solutions and expand Syngenta's freedom to operate through creativity, initiative, a strong technical and business orientation, and working closely and collaboratively with the Syngenta businesses, R&D, and the Legal and IP functions both in NAFTA and globally. The position will provide IP support for the NAFTA Crop Protection business and global projects as may be assigned and is located at the NAFTA headquarters of Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. in Greensboro, NC

Accountabilities – 

Draft, file and prosecute patent applications; Review and draft legal documents; • Evaluate the validity of competitors' patents and conduct non-infringement analyses in support of proposed Syngenta projects and activities; • Strategically identify and discover opportunties and challenges in the IP area and develop effective and innovative solutions; • Develop and help implement strategies to ensure and expand Syngenta's freedom to operate; • Collaborate closely and effectively with other members of the global Crop Protection and Seeds patent teams, development chemists, the legal department and product management; • Responsible for IP matters relating to specific development project areas, including rendering freedom to operate opinions and tailoring IP strategies for the particular development project to best meet the business goals; • Directing and advising client on patent and related IP issues; Assisting in formulation of patent strategies in research and development projects; • Maintain a strong current working knowledge of patent law and keep pace with chemical technology and its application to agribusiness; have a good working knowledge of related technologies and patent issues including seed trait biotechnology; • Perform all activities in accordance with the Syngenta Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy

Knowledge, experience & capabilities –

Critical knowledge:

The successful applicant must possess a law degree and be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office with a thorough, advanced knowledge and expertise in patent law and chemical technology. • Knowledge and expertise in seed trait biotechnology and/or trademark law is a plus. • Strong science background, preferably in chemistry or biology related fields.

Critical experience:

• 8 plus years of chemical patent experience as a patent attorney in private law firm practice and/or in-house patent attorney experience (preferably in agricultural field) • Substantial experience in both patent prosecution and strategic IP matters, including drafting and negotiation of agreements • Law firm experience is a plus.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Flexibility • Creativity • Ability to work successfully in teams as well as independently • Ability and willingness to partner with the business to develop innovative solutions and create business value • Initiative • Ability to skillfully negotiate in tough situations • Ability to anticipate and accurately assess and communicate business risks and their potential impact in a timely manner

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Syngenta offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including market-based pay, health/dental insurance, a generous 401(k) program, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance.

Qualified candidates should apply today! Please submit your application online at www.syngentacareers.com. EOE