UTAC Hiring! Full Time Senior Intellectual Property Engineer in North-east Region (Singapore) - Ricebowl

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Intellectual Property (IP) professional to manage patent-related activities and support innovation protection strategies. This role will be responsible for evaluating invention disclosures, managing IP portfolio, conducting freedom-to-operate analyses, and driving IP awareness through training initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Invention Disclosure Review & Patent Strategy

• Review, evaluate, and assess invention disclosures for patentability, novelty, and commercial relevance
• Collaborate with R&D teams to identify patentable innovations
• Review, and refine patent application drafts in collaboration with external patent attorneys
• Develop and execute patent filing strategies aligned with business objectives

2. IP Portfolio Management

• Manage and maintain the company’s global IP portfolio, including patents and applications

3. IP Clearance & Freedom to Operate (FTO)

• Conduct patent searches and analyses to evaluate freedom to operate
• Review third-party patents and assess potential infringement risks
• Work with legal teams to review IP-related clauses in contract agreements (e.g. licensing, ownership, confidentiality), ensuring alignment with company IP strategy and identifying potential risks or obligations.

4. IP Training & Awareness

• Conduct IP training programs to employees (engineering, R&D, and business teams) and management
• Promote IP awareness and best practices to foster a culture of innovation and protection
• Provide guidance on invention disclosure processes and IP compliance

5. R&D Support & Coordination

• Consolidate weekly reports from R&D teams to track progress and innovation activities
• Compile and manage monthly KPI reports from R&D teams to support management review
• Liaise with Economic Development Board (EDB) or relevant government agencies for grant applications
• Coordinate with tax consultants and R&D teams to support R&D tax rebate submissions
• Facilitate effective communication between R&D teams and external stakeholders on IP, funding, and compliance matters

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Engineering, Science, or related technical field
• Advanced degree or certification in Intellectual Property (preferred)

Experience

• Minimum 5 years technical experience
• Experience in drafting, prosecuting, or managing patent applications

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical skills in patent evaluation and technical assessment
• Proficient in using professional patent databases for search and analysis (e.g., Derwent, PatSnap)
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and training
• Strategic thinking and ability to align IP with business goals