Director, Patent Divestiture and Acquisition

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Date: Mar 3, 2014

Location TXPLANO, Texas, US

Req ID: 1515

Ericsson is a world-leading provider of telecommunications equipment and services to mobile and fixed network operators. Over 1,000 networks in more than 180 countries use our network equipment, and more than 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic passes through Ericsson networks.
 
We are one of the few companies worldwide that can offer end-to-end solutions for all major mobile communication standards (including 2G, 3G, and 4G). Our networks, telecom services and multimedia solutions make it easier for people, across the world, to communicate.
 
Working in 175 countries, with more than 110,000 employees, Ericsson continuously drives innovations and establishes the standards that lead the industry. Ericsson's patent portfolio is seen as a major tool in supporting Ericsson's commercial objectives, by providing "freedom of action" on our own technologies and products as well as revenue generation by our out-licensing program.
 
In that regard, with some 33,000 granted patents, Ericsson is the largest holder of standard-essential patents for mobile communication. Our unrivalled patent portfolio covers 2G, 3G and 4G technologies, and we are a net receiver of licensing royalties with more than 100 patent-licensing agreements in place.
 
Job Description:
 
The successful candidate will play a very important and critical role as an IP negotiator and manager in Ericsson's global patent licensing program. Working closely with other senior members of Ericsson’s global IPR & Licensing organization, this person will be responsible for reviewing and managing Ericsson’s patent divesture and acquisition programs. This person will actively manage Ericsson's patent divesture & acquisition program by (1) formulating Ericsson’s strategy and process for divestment of Ericsson’s portfolios to enhance Ericsson’s licensing program and/or acquisition of third party portfolios to supplement Ericsson’s existing portfolio; (2) identifying, analyzing, valuing and recommending patent portfolios for acquisition or divestment; (3) driving the process to identify potential buyers or sellers of such portfolios; and (4) driving legal, business and technical negotiations to execute patent transfer agreements.
 
This position will be responsible for:

• Formulating Ericsson’s long term strategy on divesting Ericsson’s patents or acquiring third party patents to support Ericsson’s global IPR & Licensing strategy;
• Investigating potential patent portfolios to divest or acquire in cooperation with other members of Ericsson's global IPR & Licensing Organization;
• Analyzing and valuing those patent portfolios to be divested or acquired;
• Analyzing the strength of those patents to be divested or acquired;
• Managing business / technical negotiations with identified prospects by performing necessary legal, technical and business discussions to execute patent purchase agreements;
• Reporting status and results to Ericsson’s IPR & Licensing leadership team.
• Working in an international environment with the opportunity to exchange views and experiences with colleagues in other countries;
• Developing a network of technical and business contacts within Ericsson;
• Contributing to continuous improvement of working processes to further enhance Ericsson’s global licensing program; and
• The position has great opportunities for further development in various areas depending on personal skills and interest.

 

Requirements:

• A minimum of eight to ten years of broad-based patent portfolio licensing negotiation experience with a sophisticated in-house legal department or leading law firm.
• A solid understanding of intellectual property and contract law.
• Substantial experience with patent portfolio licensing activities and formulating intellectual property strategy.
• Ability to review and analyze corporate finance.
• Ability to assist in making business decisions as well as legal decisions.
• A strong image and presence that will engender confidence from the Ericsson management and employees, as well as from potential licensees.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• JD degree preferred but not required.
• Being an active and registered member of the USPTO is not required but would be a big plus.
• Prior licensing experience in the telecom / communication industry preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills required.
• Must be able to work independently and also handle and manage multiple IP tasks and activities as a team member.
• Frequent travel, both domestic and international, required.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Primary country and city: United States (US) || Texas || TXPLANO || R&D

Job Segment: Telecom, Telecommunications, Manager, Patent, Intellectual Property, Technology, Management, Legal

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