Senior Counsel IP Operations and R&D, Robotics

This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we’ve announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing. By joining us now, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics – working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.

As Senior IP Counsel, you will lead the strategic management of the company’s patent portfolio, ensuring alignment with business and R&D objectives. You will oversee patent prosecution, manage relationships with outside counsel, and drive enforcement and litigation efforts to protect the company’s intellectual property rights. Your expertise in legal risk assessment and IP strategy will support informed decision-making across the business. As a key advisor, you will foster a strong IP culture and collaborate effectively with diverse global stakeholders to safeguard and maximise the value of the company’s innovation assets.

The location for this role is Switzerland. We can only accept candidates with valid work permit for Switzerland.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Identify IP opportunities and manage patent prosecution for the portfolio, either directly or through oversight of outside counsel.
• Lead portfolio management by shaping and aligning patent portfolios with business strategy in close coordination with Business and R&D stakeholders.
• Proactively manage relationships with preferred IP law firms to ensure efficient and effective outside counsel support.
• Collaborate with outside counsel on enforcement and litigation matters to defend or enforce patent and other IP rights, including conducting litigation and opposition proceedings in relevant jurisdictions.
• Conduct legal operability assessments, advise the Business on third-party IP risks, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Promote IP awareness and foster a strong IP culture among key stakeholders across Business, R&D, Legal & IP, and other functions.
• Supervise specific activities within the IP function.

• Qualified European Patent Attorney with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in a global law firm or multinational corporate environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in patent drafting and prosecution, freedom-to-operate analyses, litigation, mergers & acquisitions, and contract/technology transaction review.
• Strong knowledge of software inventions, open source software (OSS), copyright, trademarks, fiscal IP matters, and antitrust issues related to IP.
• Proven experience managing outside counsel, service providers, and overseeing the IP budget.
• Experience with non-European IP jurisdictions, particularly the US and/or China, is advantageous.
• Managerial experience is a plus.
• Previous experience in the Robotics sector is preferred but not mandatory.
• Exceptional attention to detail, autonomy, strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with R&D teams and business leaders.
• Comfortable working in a global environment with diverse stakeholders across Business, R&D, and support functions.
• Adaptable and effective in managing shifting priorities.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a strong asset.