Patent Associate

Role Overview Saint-Gobain Group in India is looking for a skilled Patent Associate to join its patent team at SGRI, Chennai. In this role, you will collaborate closely with R&D and business teams to protect and grow Saint-Gobain's global patent portfolio through strategic prosecution and expert IP counsel. You will also support enforcement and litigation activities across India. Key Responsibilities - Prepare comprehensive IP opinions covering patentability, freedom-to-operate, and invalidity assessments - Draft high-quality patent specifications and respond to office actions in India and internationally in compliance with applicable patent laws - Monitor technology landscapes, competitor activity, and geographic trends through patent watches, and share actionable insights with R&D and business stakeholders - Identify patentable inventions in coordination with R&D teams and build a purposeful worldwide patent strategy - Assist in patent opposition proceedings and provide technical research support for enforcement and litigation activities - Apply for and obtain design registrations in India - Review and evaluate work performed by external law firms to ensure quality and strategic alignment Required Qualifications - Master of Science or a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from a reputed academic institution - 4 to 6 years of hands-on experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications in an R&D or law firm environment - Patent Agent Registration with the Indian Patent Office is preferred - Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English Why Join Us Saint-Gobain is a globally recognised leader in sustainable construction and high-performance materials, offering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment for IP professionals. This is a rare opportunity to shape patent strategy at an innovative multinational organisation from its Chennai R&D hub.

- Experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications (4-6 years) - Strong knowledge of IP opinions including patentability, FTO, and invalidity - Proficiency in responding to office actions in India and overseas - Ability to conduct patent watches and competitive landscape analysis - Experience with patent opposition proceedings and enforcement support - Knowledge of design registration processes in India - Patent Agent Registration with the Indian Patent Office (preferred) - Degree in Science or Engineering from a premier institution - Excellent written and verbal English communication skills

- Opportunity to work with a globally reputed multinational organisation - Collaborative R&D and business environment - Exposure to international patent prosecution and strategy - Professional growth in IP law and innovation management