Senior Counsel IP Litigation & Contracts – Synthon

Company

With a focus on innovation, science and intellectual property to drive differentiation, Synthon has become the leading B2B and D2M player in the generics industry. Driven by the desire to bring high-quality products to the market, Synthon developed a vertically integrated organization: employees globally working across nine locations including four state-of-the-art research laboratories and manufacturing units. Activities extend from the development of new drugs to their manufacturing, and in select markets to distribution.

The company is building a promising portfolio, specifically in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular and MS. With a strong history of innovating to increase access to high-quality ad affordable medicines, the pharmaceutical company is proud to develop, manufacture and out-license complex generics and hybrid medicines to millions of patients around the world.

Position

The role involves working for both the IP (Intellectual Property) and Legal department. Each department has its specific functional requirements, and we expect you to be able to anticipate and meet the needs of both.

In the field of IP, you will manage complex patent litigations, regulatory litigations and other adversarial proceedings, including damage claims and cost rewards, on a global scale. You will also handle legal matters such as warning letters and managing enforcement actions. Additionally, you will assist in drafting and negotiating contracts and settlement agreements related to IP matters.  Your responsibilities will involve strategic direction, offering expert legal advice to internal stakeholders. You will collaborate closely with outside counsel and consultants and play a key role in developing and executing procedural strategies to maximize our success in high-stakes legal matters.

As Legal counsel you will mainly be engaged in international contract drafting: material License & Supply Agreements, Joint R&D and Cooperation Agreements and Supply Chain Agreements.

This is a global role, requiring engagement and alignment with the Synthon sites around the world. You will report hierarchically to the VP IP Litigation and functionally to both the VP IP Litigation and General Counsel.

Most important deliverables and responsibilities in this role are:

• Global patent- and regulatory litigation: Manage and oversee patent- and regulatory litigation worldwide
• Financial management: Accurately assess and present claims for damages, ensuring seeking appropriate compensation for IP infringements. Manage cost awards to minimize our financial exposure and maximize recoveries.
• Antitrust compliance: Advice on antitrust issues in the context of IP ensuring compliance with competition laws and litigate antitrust claims
• Regulatory compliance: Ensure adherence to international IP regulations and policies such that our actions are in full compliance with legal frameworks; address regulatory concerns
• Litigation strategy: Develop and implement litigation strategies, manage litigation and claim risks and align legal advice with company’s global business goals. Draft and respond to legal documents related to patent litigation, including warning letters and cease- and desist letters.
• Licensing and settlements: Handle licensing agreements and settlements negotiations related to IP matters. Advice on liability issues to ensure that we are pursuing our claims effectively and protect the company for undue legal risks
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts: material License & Supply Agreements, Joint R&D and Cooperation Agreements and Supply Chain Agreements

Profile

On behalf of Synthon, we are looking for a team player with a demonstrated history of working collaboratively and effectively with an experienced group of patent attorneys, IP professionals and Legal counsel. This role requires a professional who is adept at navigating the distinct challenges and functional requirements of both IP and Legal.

You will have the ability to anticipate and respond effectively to the unique needs of each department, demonstrating flexibility, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of both Legal and IP issues.

You have experience in working within tight deadlines and adapting to changing project requirements. Ability to work independently, you are self-motivated, action and detailed oriented, ambition and high level of initiative.

Strong legal drafting and negotiation skills and attention to detail, you have a high degree of professional ethics and integrity, international mindset and a sense of intercultural understanding. You are open to change in response to new information, different or unexpected circumstances, and/or to work in ambiguous situations.

Academic requirements to be successful in this role are:

• A (post) master’s degree in law, with a minimum of 10 years of work experience in a complex and demanding legal work area, within a law firm or in-house – preferably operating for or within the pharmaceutical industry;
• Experience with patent litigation, knowledge of intellectual property including IP regulations and policies;
• Experience with competition law and international contract drafting (including in the context of IP licensing);
• Fluency in English; strong verbal and written communication skills.

Offer

A challenging senior position both in IP and Legal, within an inspiring informal organization with ambitious growth plans. Working in close contact with highly professional colleagues within multidisciplinary teams in the Netherlands, and liaising with top tier law firms in the Netherlands and the USA.

Excellent opportunities for further personal development in a global operation pharmaceutical company. High flexibility in working from the office and/or home.