Patent Attorney

Reporting to the Intellectual Property team, you will leverage your specialist patent expertise to develop and execute patent generation strategies that support Cochlear's business objectives and long-term IP strategy.

You will work across diverse technologies, product platforms, and geographic markets, driving the development of high-quality patent portfolios and providing patent expertise to support patent acquisition, licensing, and strategic collaboration activities. You will also help shape how emerging AI technologies are used to enhance patent portfolio development and innovation processes across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Patent Portfolio Development

• Develop and grow high-quality global patent portfolios aligned with Cochlear's IP strategy.

• Facilitate and participate in patent brainstorming and innovation activities.

• Conduct patentability searches, assessments, and strategic evaluations.

• Lead invention disclosure reviews and participate in patent approval committees.

• Manage relationships with external law firms and oversee patent drafting, filing, prosecution, and portfolio management activities globally.

• Drive patent family expansion, maintenance, and optimisation strategies across key markets.

Patent Acquisition, Licensing & Collaboration Support

• Support the evaluation of patent acquisition, licensing, and collaboration opportunities from an intellectual property perspective.

• Assess third-party patent portfolios and technologies for strategic fit and business value.

• Support contract development and licensing negotiations by providing patent and IP expertise.

• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to maximise the value of patent acquisition, licensing, and collaboration activities.

• Provide strategic IP guidance and analyses to support business decision-making relating to external patent assets and technologies.

AI & Innovation

• Develop, evaluate, and refine AI-enabled workflows, prompts, and tools that support patent-related activities.

• Help drive the adoption of emerging AI technologies across the Intellectual Property function.

• Collaborate with global stakeholders to foster a culture that encourages innovation, knowledge sharing, and patent portfolio growth.

• Explore new approaches to improve efficiency, quality, and strategic decision-making within IP operations.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Qualified Patent Attorney, Patent Agent, or equivalent IP professional.

• Approximately 8 years' relevant experience in patent portfolio development, patent strategy, and patent prosecution gained in private practice and/or an in-house environment.

• Demonstrated experience developing and managing patent portfolios aligned with business and technology strategies.

• Strong understanding of global patent systems and patent prosecution processes.

• Experience working with inventors, researchers, engineers, and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Ability to assess technologies and provide strategic intellectual property guidance that supports innovation and portfolio development.

• Strong understanding of the intellectual property considerations associated with patent acquisition, licensing, and strategic partnerships.

• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

• Curiosity and enthusiasm for leveraging emerging AI technologies to improve patent-related processes and outcomes.

Why Cochlear?

At Cochlear, you will work with talented people who are passionate about delivering life-changing technology. You'll have the opportunity to influence innovation on a global scale while building your career in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Join us and help create the next generation of hearing solutions that transform lives.