Legal Officer

WIPO•Geneva, IL

About The Position

The position is located in the Patent and Technology Law Division (PTLD) within WIPO’s Patents and Technology Sector. The Division supports the balanced evolution of the international patent framework, administers certain patent-related treaties, and assists Member States with legislative, policy and normative advice in patent related fields, including trade secrets. PTLD also coordinates WIPO’s work on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs). The position supports the implementation and coordination of WIPO’s initiatives on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) by conducting legal research, managing projects and contributing to policy and analytical outputs. The role assists in translating the WIPO Strategy on SEPs into practical activities and deliverables, as well as devising its continuation, in close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. It also contributes to SEP related discussions in international fora, including the SCP, and supports divisional work in other areas of patent law and related IP fields as required. The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of PTLD. Occasionally, in agreement with the Director, specific tasks can be assigned by the Head of PTLS or the Head of LPAS, and in these cases, the deliverables are first reviewed by the respective Head.

Requirements

First-level university degree in law. A first-level university degree in another field in combination with an advanced university degree in law may also be accepted.
At least six years of relevant professional experience, including experience in patent law. Patent law experience may either be in policy design and law making, or in drafting, prosecution, licensing or litigation of patents.
Proven experience of at least two years with Standard Essential Patents, either from a policy perspective or from a transactional or litigation angle.
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Good understanding of legal and policy issues of patent law and the respective international treaties.
Ability to draft complex legal texts.
Ability to conduct comprehensive legal research independently and present results in a clear and logical form.
Ability to communicate complex legal subject-matter to a diverse audience.
Excellent time management and organizational skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural 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.
Ability to foster and maintain a customer-focused culture.

Nice To Haves

Advanced university degree in law, with a specialization in intellectual property law.
Specialization in technology law.
Relevant professional experience at the international level and/or in the private sector.
Experience in patent, innovation and/or standardization policy.
Experience in competition law.
Proven track record in managing projects.
Good knowledge of French and knowledge of other UN official languages.

Responsibilities

Support the implementation of WIPO’s initiatives on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) in line with the WIPO SEP Strategy and subsequent activities, serving as a focal point within PTLD and managing assigned projects where the Division is the lead.
Conduct legal and policy research on SEP-related issues, including management, licensing, enforcement and relevant case law, and draft strategic, substantive and informational documents to support WIPO’s SEP-related work and discussions.
Contribute to the planning and development of future SEP-related activities by identifying emerging issues, supporting internal strategic discussions and assisting in the design of the next phase of WIPO’s SEP initiatives.
Coordinate SEP-related activities with other WIPO Divisions and contribute to maintaining and updating SEP-related information, including content on the WIPO website and the WIPO Lex Case Law Collection.
Liaise with Member States and relevant stakeholders, including industry representatives, academic institutions and Standard Developing Organizations, and support the organization of thematic events, panels and capacity-building activities relating to SEPs.
Contribute to SEP-related work in international meetings and fora, including the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP), by drafting meeting documents, preparing presentations and participating as a speaker or moderator, as appropriate.
Assist PTLD Sections, as required and based on business needs, in research and capacity-building activities in other areas of patent law and related fields of intellectual property, including trade secrets.
Perform other related tasks.