About the Role
Sought is an experienced and commercially driven Senior Patent Attorney to support our client, a dynamic global business undergoing significant transformation. This role is central to shaping and delivering strategic mergers and acquisitions activity through expert patent and legal guidance.
You will play a critical role in evaluating, negotiating, and executing patent-related transactions, ensuring strong commercial outcomes while managing legal and business risk.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all patent-related aspects of M&A activity, including acquisitions, licensing, and joint ventures
- Conduct detailed patent due diligence, assessing portfolio strength, risks, and opportunities
- Provide strategic legal advice to support key business decisions and innovation strategy
- Develop valuation approaches for patent portfolios, balancing opportunity and risk
- Design and execute negotiation strategies for high-value transactions
- Draft and oversee patent licence agreements, assignments, and related legal documentation
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, M&A, and litigation specialists
- Support and guide global patent prosecution and litigation strategies
- Manage relationships with external legal counsel and IP service providers
- Deliver clear, commercially focused insights to senior leadership
Experience
- Proven track record leading high-value patent licensing or acquisition negotiations
- Strong experience in patent due diligence and identifying in-licensing opportunities
- Commercially astute with the ability to align legal strategy to business goals
- Experience managing internal teams and external legal advisors
Skills & Expertise
- Deep knowledge of patent law and litigation (Europe essential; US/Japan desirable)
- Strong ability to assess patent portfolios, including FTO and litigation risks
- Skilled in drafting and negotiating complex IP agreements
- Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to senior stakeholders
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
Qualifications
- Qualified UK and European Patent Attorney
- Circa 10+ years’ post-qualification experience
- Preferably but not essential, previous in-house experience
- Background in mechanical, electrical, or chemical fields
Why Apply?
- Be part of a forward-thinking, global organisation undergoing transformation
- Work on high-impact, high-value strategic deals
- Collaborate with leading experts across legal, innovation, and commercial teams
- Shape the future of innovation through intellectual property strategy
For a confidential conversation, please do get in touch with Catherine French 0113 467 9790 or via: catherine.french@saccomann.com or Claire Morgan 0113 467 9799 or via: claire.morgan@saccomann.com