Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Attorney to serve as the lead and primary IP advisor for one or more of Eastman's business units. In this role, you will collaborate with technology and business leaders to develop and implement effective IP strategies, addressing cross-functional IP issues that arise.
Key Responsibilities:
- Optreden als de primaire IP-adviseur voor aangewezen bedrijfsunits, in samenwerking met technologieleiders en bedrijfsleiders om IP-strategieën te formuleren en uit te voeren.
- Samenwerken met wetenschappers en ingenieurs om octrooieerbare uitvindingen te identificeren en octrooiaanvragen op te stellen.
- Indienen en vervolgen van Amerikaanse octrooiaanvragen terwijl internationale octrooibureaus worden gecontroleerd bij het indienen en vervolgen van OUS-octrooiaanvragen.
- Samenwerken met IP-leidinggevenden en klantorganisaties om te bepalen wanneer vrijheidsbeoordelingen noodzakelijk zijn, deze beoordelingen uitvoeren en superviseren met een focus op inbreuk en geldigheid, en toezicht houden op de voorbereiding van juridische adviezen door externe raadgevers.
- Opstellen en onderhandelen over IP-gerelateerde overeenkomsten en adviseren over en onderhandelen over IP-bepalingen in commerciële contracten en andere overeenkomsten.
- Uitgebreide en geïnformeerde advisering geven over IP-kwesties aan belanghebbenden in technologie-, productie- en bedrijfsfuncties, inclusief begeleiding bij beslissingen over octrooi versus handelsgeheimen.
- Toezicht houden op administratieve en gerechtelijke procedures met betrekking tot octrooi-uitdagingen, zowel ter verdediging van Eastman-octrooien als het beheren van uitdagingen ingediend door anderen.
- Mogelijke ondersteuning bieden bij de vervolging en verdediging van octrooi-inbreukprocedures en andere handhavingsactiviteiten.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline from an accredited institution (Chemistry or Chemical Engineering preferred).
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Minimum of five years of in-house corporate experience as a Patent and IP attorney, with a focus on chemistry or chemical engineering. This experience should include:
- Patent preparation and prosecution, including oversight of international counsel.
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements addressing significant IP issues.
- Providing legal advice on patent, trade secret, and related matters.
- Identifying potential issues, assessing risks, and offering strategic counsel.
- Leadership experience is a plus.
- Registration as a Patent Attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- Membership in a State Bar with the ability to waive into the Tennessee Bar.
- A strong interest in and commitment to continuous learning about technological advancements.
- Proven experience in drafting and negotiating IP agreements and related clauses.
- A collaborative and communicative mindset, with a strong ability to work across teams and functions.
Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.
Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.
