Patent Associate

About The Role

We are looking for a Patent Associate to join our Legal team in Naas!

The Patent Associate will provide proactive legal support across key intellectual property matters, including invention assessment, patent filings, IP agreements, and representation before Patent Offices. This role works closely with R&D to identify innovations, protect the Group’s patent portfolio, manage external counsel, and support the business through clear guidance, training, and policy development.

Kerry operates a Hybrid working policy, candidates will be required to work from our offices in Naas each week.

Key Responsibilities

In this role you will proactively providing legal advice related to:

• Invention evaluation
• European and foreign patent application preparation and prosecution
• Innovation license review, drafting, and negotiation, IP-related contracts review and negotiation
• Representing the Group before Patent Offices
• Conduct Technical, scientific & Legal research
• Explain, clarify & simplify complex technical information
• Monitor R&D development activities for the identification of inventions and potential external claims
• Provide protection for the Group’s patent portfolio by enforcing any contractual obligations
• Management of relationships with outside counsels
• Delivering critical communications and training, and developing policies and procedures

Qualifications & Skills

• Qualified Patent Attorney with a Bachelor’s degree in science (essential) Master or PhD in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, (Molecular) Biology, Chemistry, or comparable education and experience (preferably)
• 5+ years legal experience managing and defending patent matters inhouse or in an IP firm.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to simplify complex information.
• Analytical thinker with strong conceptual and research skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.