Ledigt jobb: Patentingenjör/Patentkonsult

The Patent Engineer will primarily focus on the development and maintenance of a patent portfolio for innovations originating from SVPs’ development activities. The role includes management of a patent portfolio relating to mechanical, electrical and software engineering, with specific technology in sewing and embroidery machines.

The successful candidate will be expected to independently manage an active caseload, strategically direct outside counsel, and skillfully advise internal business colleagues. The Patent Engineer will work closely with a diverse and talented group of engineers to: identify, strategically file, and guide prosecution of patentable inventions, search and analyze competitive patents in key technology areas, provide technical analysis and freedom to operate opinions, aid in company-wide patent education initiatives, and help guide the development of new products.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Maintain a strong knowledge of SVP product lines, technologies, and industry technology applicable to project assignments
• Integrate with assigned product and project teams
• Monitor and assess competitive patents relevant to SVP products
• Counsel engineers and other technical personnel regarding patentability, patent procedure, portfolio strategy and related issues and conduct training
• Conduct patent clearance reviews and identify patents that need further study or formal opinions from outside counsel
• Lead product patent mining sessions and prepare materials for outside counsel to be used in patent applications
• Creation and implementation of strategy and procedures for patent management
• Solicit, review, and manage approval process for invention disclosures
• Confidently communicate to the project team patent updates throughout the development process
• Independently and effectively manage and oversee outside counsel in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in the U.S. and abroad while working within a budget
• Knowledge and interest in patent-related issues associated with commercial agreements and licensing arrangements

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, strongly preferred in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science (unrelated degree acceptable with equivalent professional experience)
• Patent attorney/agent license or certification preferred
• 5+ years of experience
• Experience managing a portfolio of patents and additional time sensitive projects in a fast-paced organization
• Proficient understanding of patent filing and prosecution inside and outside of the United States
• Assertive self-starter with excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and superior time-management skills
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical and strategic legal advice to senior business leaders

Preferred:

• Experience in an industry which manufactures and/or sells a commercial product
• Industry experience as an engineer, programmer or related role

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

SVP Worldwide is the world’s largest consumer sewing machine company, accounting for approximately one out of every three household sewing machines sold annually across the globe. The company and its three iconic brands - SINGER®, VIKING®, and PFAFF® - have delighted consumers for over 460 years. These premium brands and products are regarded as the choice for serious sewists and novice crafters.

The company’s corporate headquarters is in Nashville, TN, and supported by regional headquarters/sales offices located in Milan (Italy), and Mexico City (Mexico) that, combined, reach consumers in more than 180 countries. SVP has manufacturing facilities across Asia and Latin America, multiple R&D centers, and a global supply chain with distribution centers in all regions.

SVP Worldwide has a history of innovation and has established a leading offering in the Internet-of-Things (IoT) segment by introducing mySewnet®, the industry’s first cloud-based operating system. Its product portfolio covers entry-level sewing machines all the way up to advanced, internet-connected, leading-edge household sewing machines that retail for $18,999 and all segments in-between. In addition to sewing machines, the product portfolio includes sewing accessories, notions, garment care products as well as software.

The products are sold across a network of sewing machine dealers, mass retailers (e.g., Costco, Walmart, Lidl etc), specialty retailers (e.g., Joann, Michaels), online retailers (e.g., Amazon, Tmall), distributors, and through the company’s 170+ internally operated retail stores.

We are around 50 talented engineers at the R&D center in Jönköping, where some of the most advanced sewing and embroidery machines in the world are being developed.

THE INDUSTRY

The sewing machine industry is a global industry that is experiencing renewed growth. In developed markets, growth rates are projected to outpace GDP growth, according to Global Industry Analysts, Inc., the leading industry data source. Growth in these markets is driven by the millennial generation that is increasingly attracted to personalization, crafts, and self-expression. In developing markets, the industry is expected to grow at 4% annually, fueled by the emerging middle class and the “need to sew” segment that uses sewing machines to support the household.

THE FUTURE

In 2021, SVP Worldwide was acquired by Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com), a global investment firm with more than $25 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of approximately 50 operating companies that serve customers around the world. Platinum Equity has committed to fully support SVP’s continued growth and to bring additional financial and operational resources to bear to help accelerate the company’s efforts.

SVP is planning to invest even more in R&D to meet the increasing demand of new products and innovations.