Senior Legal Counsel - Patent

At Bunge, people don't just come here to work, they come here to grow - solving challenges that directly impact the world with a diverse team of thinkers and doers. Bunge offers a strong compensation and benefits package, generous paid time off program, flexible work arrangements, and opportunity to progress. Our hybrid work environment provides a balance of in office and remote work. Most importantly, in all we do we live our values:• Act as One Team by fostering inclusion, collaboration, and respect• Drive for Excellence by being agile, innovative and efficient• Do What's Right by acting safely, ethically, and sustainably

Position Summary:

Based in Saint Louis, this role is responsible for providing all needed patent support to Food Solution business in the US. Will also collaborate with Bunge patent counsel in the Netherlands and will support the efforts of Food Solution business at various Research & Development locations. The role will report directly to Chief IP Lawyer, Assistant General Counsel.

Core Functions:

Patent Preparation: Work closely with R&D to understand, develop and draft critical patent applications in line with IP Strategy of the business. Reviews invention disclosures as assigned and drafts patent applications to be filed with relevant patent offices (US, EP), applying high standards of legal and technical expertise to optimally protect Bunge's innovation pipeline. Provides recommendations to decide foreign filing/ exam request/ national phase entry in accordance with IP Strategy. Coordinates execution of all formal documents associated with patent filings.

Patent Prosecution and Maintenance: Manages global patent prosecution in accordance with relevant IP Strategy of the business, including review of office actions and providing clear and detailed instructions to outside counsel to ensure high quality response in line with commercial interest and control of external costs. Conducts regular patent portfolio review with R&D to contain costs.

IP Advice and Guidance: Identifies competitive patents of interest and conducts clearance for market launches. Provides oral and written legal opinions as to patent scope and coverage issues (patentability opinions, FTO risk assessments, infringement, validity, etc.) to stakeholders throughout the organization such as the value chain leaders, R&D, legal, tax, etc. Develops and maintains knowledge of developments in US patent (case) law in particular technical areas of responsibility and proactively uses the knowledge to provide optimal value-added support.

IP Database Maintenance: Ensures the integrity and accuracy of patent portfolio data in the IP docket system and of the files in the patent portfolio. Maintains an accurate inventory of the existing patent portfolio.

Training: Provides training sessions and seminars on relevant IP topics and help to educate the R&D and business on patent strategies and patent laws generally.

Disputes: Monitors the competitive IP space and works with R&D to identify potential problematic 3rd party patents or patent applications for potential oppositions, challenges and litigation.

Commercial Documentation: Provides IP support for transactional activities as assigned, including reviewing the IP sections of agreements (e.g., licenses, joint-development, service, etc.).

Business Relationship: The role will need to develop a working partnership with the business by understanding the IP portfolio, the business, the key customers and suppliers and the industry environment as well as by proactively addressing IP issues faced and opportunities presented to the businesses. The position requires regular and direct contact with all levels of the businesses and in particular work closely with the business management teams to gain a deep understanding of their business strategies, environment, strategic legal issues, challenges and opportunities, key customers, competitors and suppliers as they relate to IP.

May travel as required by the relevant context.

Skills/Experience Requirements:

Certified US Patent attorney or USPTO Registered Patent Agent.

Bachelor Degree in Biochemistry or Chemistry. Master/PhD and Law Degree a plus.

3-5 years' recent hands-on experience with patent drafting, prosecution and opinion work in the chemical or biochemical field.

Experience in an international working environment is an asset.

Working knowledge in language other than English is desirable.

Bunge (NYSE: BG) is a world leader in sourcing, processing and supplying oilseed and grain products and ingredients. Founded in 1818, Bunge's expansive network feeds and fuels a growing world, creating sustainable products and opportunities for more than 70,000 farmers and the consumers they serve across the globe. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri and has 25,000 employees worldwide who stand behind more than 350 port terminals, oilseed processing plants, grain facilities, and food and ingredient production and packaging facilities around the world.

Bunge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or military or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Bunge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled