Legal Officer

WIPO•Geneva, IL

About The Position

The post is in the PCT Legal and User Support Section, PCT Legal and User Relations Division, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, Patents and Technology Sector. The PCT Legal and User Support Section provides legal advice on PCT matters to users of the PCT system (in particular applicants, their agents and the PCT Contracting States), implements changes to the PCT Regulations and other changes within the PCT system and reaches out to PCT users and potential PCT users through various training activities. The main role of the incumbent is to provide information, advice, and assistance to PCT applicants and agents, PCT Contracting States, industrial property Offices and PCT Authorities, on the implementation of the PCT. The incumbent monitors and analyzes statistics on cases received by the Section for resolution to make informed decisions and propose improvements. The incumbent also engages in outreach and promotional activities to raise awareness and understanding of the PCT system.

Requirements

A first-level university degree in law is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in engineering, science and information technology may be accepted if accompanied by a valid certification as a patent agent (e.g., registration with a recognized national or regional patent office).
At least six years of relevant professional experience, including experience in the field of patents, either in the public or private sector.
Experience with the PCT.
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Good knowledge of the PCT.
Ability to analyze legal questions, and draft legal texts.
Ability to interpret and use data analytics tools to support decision-making and service improvement.
Capacity to engage in outreach and promotional activities, including public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Strong client orientation with ability to deliver high quality client services.
Familiarity with working with artificial intelligence tools.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms.
Commitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies.

Nice To Haves

Specialization in patent law.
Experience with using the PCT system and applying the PCT legal framework, for example, in a national or regional patent office, an intergovernmental organization or the private sector on PCT matters.
Experience in a legal or paralegal role.
Experience in data analysis.
Experience in conducting outreach activities.
Good knowledge of other PCT publication languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish).

Responsibilities

Provide information, advice and assistance to PCT applicants and agents, PCT Contracting States, industrial property Offices and PCT Authorities, on the implementation of the PCT.
Provide information, advice and assistance to PCT Operations and other parts of WIPO on PCT matters.
Draft and provide input to legal work connected with improvements of the PCT System, including, in particular, the preparation and implementation of amendments to the Regulations, and modifications to the Administrative Instructions and the Guidelines under the PCT.
Promote the increased use of the PCT among companies by analyzing market studies and identifying growth opportunities; evaluating industry-specific trends, assessing companies’ innovation portfolios, and providing tailored legal and strategic guidance to encourage the increased use of the PCT in close cooperation with the PCT Marketing Specialist.
Design and develop training courses, seminars and information meetings, for users and potential users of the PCT, including internal training for WIPO staff members; conduct outreach to key stakeholders and collaborate with internal teams to align legal recommendations with marketing strategies. Prepare and update educational material on the PCT.
Foster a culture of providing high quality customer-focused services by identifying varying customer needs, recommending best practices which can improve customer interactions and, proactively addressing potential issues before they impact the customer experience.
Engage in data analytics initiatives by monitoring and analyzing user feedback, service metrics, and procedural data to inform decision-making, improve service delivery, and identify trends in legal and procedural issues and propose improvements and best practice.
Perform other related duties as required.