Global Formalities Officer

Note: Deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the Job Posting End Date.

UNILEVER IS HIRING Global Formalities Officer

Location: Hive Wageningen Netherlands 

Local conditions apply

Full Time

Travel 5%

The role will be closed once the best match is found even before the posting end date

For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position and for this vacancy in principle we will first consider candidates based in the Netherlands. If you are based outside of the Netherlands and you are interested to apply, please feel free to do so but we can only take your application on if a decision is made to also recruit outside of the Netherlands.

ABOUT UNILEVER

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world. 

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe that one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future. 

We want our business to flourish, and we know that our success depends on others flourishing around us. That's why our purpose is to make sustainable living commonplace, and why sustainable, long-term growth is at the heart of our business model. 

Objective

To help Unilever Patent Attorneys with the administrative and procedural tasks associated with patents including the granting procedure and the management of the portfolio and the ensuing deadlines such that the local rules and regulations are met and deadlines can be suitably monitored.

Position in the organization

Above:   Head of Global Support 

              Patent Attorney (technical)

Below:    N/A

Areas of responsibility/Main tasks

To help with the administrative and procedural tasks associated with filing a patent according to the information provided by the Unilever Patent Attorney and any instructions provided by a local agent such that applications are files according to local laws and regulations.
 This mainly consists of:

• preparing different official documents, such as transfer deeds for the patent rights of the inventor to the employer and between companies

• signing documents or getting them signed by the authorised people

• getting documents notarised by a notary public and/or foreign consulate

• ensuring documents, patent applications, and drawings are submitted to the Patent Office

• controlling the patent applications have really been submitted

• ensuring the translation of European Patent Office (EPO) and Patent Corporation Treaty (PCT) applications in the different countries

• Taking care of the 'examination requests' in the different countries in consultation with the patent agents.

To keep track and monitor the term system such that official and legal terms are not missed and no patent rights are lost. This mainly consists of:

• implementing terms for filing and extension procedures using, among other things, correspondence with Patent Offices and foreign agents

• consulting the automated system and flagging 'term information' to patent agents and colleagues

• monitoring term entries using fail-safe systems

• following up on terms that risk being missed (involving local agents etc.)

• flagging anomalies to the head of support and/or the patent agent.

To help maintain the database containing information on patent applications and relevant rules and regulations and such, such that official and legal terms can be suitably monitored and users can access up-to-date information. This mainly consists of:

• docketing new mail as received from local representatives and Patent Offices

• following changes to procedures/laws etc. in the different countries and entering them in the database

• processing and checking data for patent applications and general patent information

• keeping supporting files up to date (addresses, encoding, etc.)

• compiling and disseminating regular and more complex management reports on 'Unilever patents.

To carry out various other activities that are related to the job, including:

• controlling invoices related to patent activities and ensuring they are paid

• controlling and supplementing the Patents Group's filing invoices

• maintaining patents by preparing the payment of the concerned taxes

• letting patents expire in countries specified by the patent agents

• hiring and authorising external agents

• transferring patent portfolios, for example, when acquiring and selling companies

• responsible for writing, following and keeping procedures up-to-date that enables you to perform ones daily work

Social interaction

To obtain information from and disseminate it to patent agents and agents in the different countries. To harmonise with Patents Group colleagues in England, India, China and the US.

To write memos and other correspondence, mainly in English.

Specific requirements

Working with display equipment.

To process data and handle documents with care (taking care of formalities); to disseminate information with vigilance; to carefully monitor filing dates and the expiry of terms.

Difficult circumstances

Static posture and strain on eyes and back muscles when working at display equipment.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

Unilever is the place where you can be yourself and bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. We offer an exciting & dynamic work environment where you can make things happen. Furthermore, we offer some great reward and benefits!

• Attractive total remuneration package: excellent company pension, bonus, share scheme.

• Flexible cross-disciplinary career opportunities and a wealth of training opportunities & wellbeing resources whenever and wherever.

• Plenty of company-paid holidays to further ensure your work-life balance is maintained.

• We encourage an inclusive culture, which comes to life with interchangeable public holidays, paid paternity leave of 6 weeks and our transgender policy.

• Under the Hybrid Working principles, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 40%-60% in the office or at customers, suppliers or partners to connect and collaborate.  For the time you work from home, we will ensure you are well equipped. When you are at the office, you can enjoy our tasty canteen with prepped food and own products.

• Informal culture and being the first one trying our new products. 

• My Fitness Plan (reduction on your Fitness Subscription).

• Homework allowance

• Company laptop and mobile phone

• Green Mobility Policy.   

EXCITED?

Join Unilever and our team! To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter.  Your application will be reviewed against our requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

Looking forward to meeting you! 

Please note this is a Direct Search led by Unilever. Applications from agencies will not be accepted, nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, parenthood, pregnancy or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against. 

By highlighting the gender diversity at the workplace, Unilever encourages women equally men to apply. If you look for a job after a long career break or after any type of leave, do not hesitate to apply.

Please save a copy of this vacancy for personal use as it will disappear from the website after closing of the role.