IP Manager

Passionate about technology and drive and exploit the Intellectual Property of the global Sonion organization

Sonion Nederland B.V (Sonion NL) is a company in the Sonion Group which is a global supplier within the Hearing Aid Industry. The Sonion Group develops, manufactures and sells product solutions to customers who manufacture hearing instruments and other acoustic solutions. Sonion NL is the main R&D center within transducers and modules, but Sonion NL also has sales supportive activities such as Application Engineering, CQS, and administrative support functions. Sonion NL collaborates with sister companies in Denmark, Poland, Vietnam, the Philippines, US and China.

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Managing the entire process of invention registration, up to registering and maintaining Sonion’s patent portfolio. Including executing the needed actions within the prescribed deadlines;
• Propose and take actions to maximize business benefits through exploitation of IP assets and to minimize IP risks in business activities;
• Updating, implementing and monitoring compliance in the organization with the IP processes as defined in the Sonion Business System (SBS);
• Consulting internal customers and R&D management about licensing opportunities and licensing needs, dissemination and execution of the IP policies and IP matters in contracts related to sales activities, supply agreements, technology development agreements and other IP related activities;
• Advising Technical Council whenever significant technological development from an IP perspective could be important to Sonion;
• Chairing the Patent Board for reporting in IP matters and advising on possible IP actions to realize the IP Strategy and policy;
• Delivering IP risk infringement reports and final acceptance of the risk on executive level;
• Driving the company IP Strategy as a critical success factor by describing, monitoring and tailoring due to, for example, business strategy, budget, technology trends and legislative changes.

Your profile

• Master degree with at least 5-7 years of post-qualification experience;
• Registered European Patent Attorney would be an asset but is not a must;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, in particular regarding very technical issues involving intellectual property;
• Efficient and fluent communication in English;
• Experience with working with senior management, cross-functional project management and excellent collaborative skills in working with internal and external stakeholders;
• Experience with IP tools including patent databases, prior art searches and freedom-to-operate opinions;
• Management skills to manage a department or eager to move into managing a small team;
• Able to work independently and take decisions on his/her own;
• Ability to connect and interact with technical and non-technical team members/colleagues;
• Good communication skills both verbal and written in English and comfortable and/or experienced to globally communicate with external advisers, such as lawyers and attorneys, in the specific field of patents and other IP.

Equally important to your knowledge and experience is the personality you bring. We need someone who is social, hands-on, proactive, eager to learn and result driven. You can interact effectively with a wide variety of people with different backgrounds.

Sonion

Sonion improves the quality of life of people using hearing products. We are striving and committed to be the preferred partner in the development and manufacturing of transducers and electromechanical solutions designed for (professional) use in hearing instruments, in-ear earphones and hearables. Size matters, and we constantly challenge the laws of physics for making small and reliable products. Our outstanding competences within customer focused innovation and development, and our lengthy experience in efficient manufacturing make us successful.

Sonion has facilities in Denmark, the Netherlands, Vietnam, the Philippines, Poland, USA and China, wherefrom our (more than 6000) colleagues work together across all locations.

Our offer

We offer a compensation package that matches your qualifications, including a competitive salary, 27 vacation days, 13 rota free days and 8% holiday allowance. But more importantly, Sonion is a working environment that provides you with the opportunity to steadily further develop. We are the leading innovators in our field, and we believe our employees make a difference. Along with your manager you will regularly reflect on and make plans for your development and interests. We are an international and inclusive organization where it is easy to connect with colleagues.

Further information and application

Ready to make a difference?

Please submit your application in English to jobsatsonionNL@sonion.com

As part of our recruitment process, we will process your personal data, as set out in our Recruitment Privacy Notice. An assessment and reference check will be part of the procedure.