DEVELOP CAPABILITIES

1. Patent Attorney Trainee/Patent Agent Trainee

The Patent Attorney Trainee/Patent Agent Trainee assists in the drafting and filing of patent applications under supervision. He/She works closely with inventors and researchers in the process, and also assists in monitoring timelines while ensuring compliance to regulatory requirements and ethical guidelines. He also conducts patent-related searches to facilitate the patent drafting and filing process and liaises with inventors and researchers on the written opinions and/or office actions of the patent examiners.

The Patent Attorney Trainee/Patent Agent Trainee prepares budget reports based on expenses incurred, as well as conducts research into potential business opportunities to facilitate management’s decision making. He also engages in continuous professional development activities to deepen his expertise and knowledge.

The Patent Attorney Trainee/Patent Agent Trainee has a good grasp of local patent regulatory regimes and has good communication skills to establish relationships with key stakeholders, inventors and researchers. He has good written skills to draft technical documents, and is able to understand and interpret scientific and technology-based information.

2. Senior Patent Attorney/Senior Patent Agent/Patent Attorney/Patent Agent

The Senior Patent Attorney/Senior Patent Agent/Patent Attorney/Patent Agent files patents on behalf of the organisation and/or clients. To facilitate this, he/she conducts interviews with inventors and researchers to better understand the technology in order to draft specifications, invention abstracts and drawings. He also proposes responses to patent examiners’ written opinions and/or office actions while ensuring that regulatory requirements and timelines are adhered to. He liaises closely with internal and/or external litigation counsel on patent-related litigation matters, while providing advice on patent infringements and validity.

The Senior Patent Attorney/Senior Patent Agent/Patent Attorney/Patent Agent coaches others and ensures adherence to ethical guidelines and regulatory requirements. He maintains a network within the intellectual property (IP) community and is able to identify business opportunities and/or growth areas for the organisation and/or clients to explore.

The Senior Patent Attorney/Senior Patent Agent/Patent Attorney/Patent Agent possesses sound knowledge of the science and technology underpinning the inventions. He possesses excellent communication skills when collaborating with inventors and researchers and has the ability to translate technical knowledge for patent submissions. He is required to fulfil the requirements of registration as a patent agent as defined in Rules 6 and 7, Patents (Patent Agents) Rules 2001 and application for a practising certificate as defined in Rule 9, Patents (Patent Agents) Rules 2001.

3. Partner/Director/Principal

The Partner/Director/Principal oversees the organisation’s and/or clients’ patent strategy and oversees the international and local filing of patents in accordance with regulatory requirements. He/She grows organisation’s and/or clients’ patent portfolios and provides expert advice on patent-related issues. He oversees matters related to patent infringements and patent litigation, and advises the organisation and/or clients on responses to examiners’ written opinions and/or office actions. The Partner/Director/Principal also drives the organisation’s business development function by identifying new growth areas for the organisation.

The Partner/Director/Principal oversees a team to ensure that organisational targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are communicated and achieved. He leads the talent management function for the team and explores new and/or emerging technology to determine its relevance to the organisation in enhancing work processes and increase productivity.

The Partner/Director/Principal has a sound grasp of local and international patent regulatory regimes and is able to provide sound advice when faced with complex scenarios. As an expert in his field, he may be called upon to provide opinions and to share his expertise at public forums.

1. IP Director/IP Strategist

The Intellectual Property Director/Intellectual Property Strategist is responsible for developing and managing the implementation of overall intellectual property (IP) strategies and policies for the organisation. He/She oversees the management of the organisation's entire IP portfolio and advises senior management and/or clients on risks and opportunities regarding IP assets. He drives technology transfer activities and manages complex technology transfer projects with large budgets in complex circumstances.

He is able to synthesise information from different fields to extrapolate trends and conclusions that may have a strategic impact on the organisation. He also manages and evaluates the organisation’s risk exposure while taking the lead in innovation and growth management in bringing new ideas to the market. He is also on the constant lookout for new technologies to enhance productivity and generate new insights.

He has an in-depth knowledge of the architecture underpinning innovations and its potential. He has a global mindset and stays abreast of global innovation and trends to be able to interpret its impact on the organisation. He has deep knowledge of IP and emerging technology and innovation trends. He possesses strong leadership and management skills and is an excellent negotiator in complex scenarios. He mentors a team and advocates best practices and adherence to regulatory and legislative guidelines.

1. Senior IP Paralegal/IP Management Associate

The Senior Intellectual Property Paralegal/Intellectual Property Management Associate is responsible for supporting the implementation of the organisation’s intellectual property (IP) plans and maintaining IP processes based on established policies. He/She oversees the organisation’s IP portfolio management activities by analysing and organising information pertaining to IP portfolios to maximise and optimise business value, while ensuring compliance to IP-related legislation and guidelines.

The Senior IP Paralegal/IP Management Associate also prepares budgetary reports for management’s update and computes expenses for billing purposes. He stays updated on the latest changes in legislative and regulatory requirements and ensures that all IP applications comply with the same. He monitors the team’s achievement of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and facilitates continuous improvement and innovation activities within the team.

The Senior IP Paralegal/IP Management Associate possesses strong oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work independently. He is meticulous and is able to multi-task with competing priorities while maintaining oversight over large volumes of work.

2. Senior IP Manager/IP Manager

The Senior Intellectual Property Manager/Intellectual Property Manager develops the organisation’s intellectual property (IP) strategies and policies to manage the organisation’s IP portfolio and intangible assets. He/She oversees the organisation’s international IP portfolio and conducts analysis on current and past filings to inform management of potential IP infringements. He also manages assigned IP portfolios and provides relevant inputs on IP-related opportunities and risks across business units. He supports business development activities by providing advice and inputs on relevant IP issues and due diligence activities.

The Senior IP Manager/IP Manager is expected to keep abreast of international legislative and regulatory requirements pertaining to IP and is expected to assess its potential impact on the organisation’s IP portfolio, processes and procedures. He also manages the talent development initiatives for the team, and motivates them to achieve the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). He manages the budget and resource allocation for the team and prepares inputs for forward planning.

The Senior IP Manager/IP Manager possesses strong interpersonal skills and business acumen, and is able to lead multiple projects simultaneously. He is detail-oriented and takes initiative and proactive steps to ensure the organisation’s compliance to IP legislation and guidelines. He works well with both internal and external key stakeholders.

1. IP Commercialisation Associate/IP Commercialisation Analyst

The Intellectual Property Commercialisation Associate/Intellectual Property Commercialisation Analyst assumes the responsibility of supporting technology transfer, development and commercialisation activities. He/She conducts research and collates relevant information to support business development and marketing activities, and drives discussions with relevant stakeholders.

He also prepares budgetary reports for management and computes expenses for billing purposes. He stays updated on the latest changes in legislative and regulatory requirements and ensures that all intellectual property (IP) applications comply with the same. He has some insight into the commercial viability of technology and the business environment, as well as the value of IP and legal issues concerning commercialisation.

He possesses strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work independently. He is meticulous and is able to manage competing priorities while maintaining oversight over large volumes of work. He possesses in-depth knowledge of commonly used IP databases, search engines and information sources to be able to analyse and manage the knowledge retrieved.

2. Senior IP Consultant/Senior IP Commercialisation Manager/IP Consultant/IP Commercialisation Manager

The Senior Intellectual Property Consultant/Senior Intellectual Property Commercialisation Manager/Intellectual Property Consultant/Intellectual Property Commercialisation Manager facilitates the technology transfer, development and commercialisation of assigned technologies activities. He/She provides guidance regarding relevant technology transfer issues, including developing and interpreting policies and represents the organisation's interest in intellectual property (IP) and technology transfer to external organisations. He establishes new commercialisation agreements and business development relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

He has sound knowledge and insight into IP rights, licensing, legislation, and practical and commercial implications of legal issues concerning technology transfer and business development. He plays a key role in identifying potential partners and sources of funding and shaping the business model to facilitate technology transfer.

He possesses excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, and the ability to engage with individuals from technical, legal and research backgrounds. He also possesses a strong business acumen, with proven leadership in technology transfer activities. He builds and manages relationships with key stakeholders or networks.