Patent Attorney

Become a Part of the Marelli team. We are a global independent automotive supplier passionate about performance and speed. We are pioneers of the future of mobility. Our story is built on innovation and manufacturing excellence. Every day, we drive change and co-create what comes next. Our purpose is simple yet ambitious: "Let's push the boundaries together. We aspire to shape future mobility dreams and turn them into reality.”

Joining Marelli means becoming a part of something bigger, a place where you can explore your potential, pioneer innovation,  and support several divisions, including Automotive Lighting,  in developing and protecting next-generation lighting, sensing, and electronic technologies that enable safer, greener, and more robust technologies.

As a global yet fast-evolving company, we're looking for team members who want to grow and evolve with us.

About the Position

We are looking for a Patent Attorney. This position is based at our office in Reutlingen, Germany (primary location), with an optional office location in Munich, Germany.

The Patent Attorney at Marelli will play a critical role within the Global Intellectual Property team. Reporting to the Global Director of Patents, this position will primarily support the Automotive Lighting division while also supporting other technology areas across the Marelli organization.

Your Responsibilities will be:

• Develop and execute patent filing and prosecution strategies aligned with the objectives of  an assigned technology or division.
• Draft and prosecute German, European and international patent applications (including EP and PCT applications).
• Manage global patent portfolios related to an assigned technology or division and coordinate with external patent attorneys and agents.
• Conduct invention harvesting sessions and support inventors in identifying patentable innovations related to an assigned technology or division.
• Provide freedom-to-operate analyses and strategic guidance to engineering and product teams related to an assigned technology or division.
• Support the Global Director of Patents with enforcement and defensive strategies including EPO oppositions.
• Contribute to global IP policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Stay informed about developments in European and international patent law.

What qualifications you will bring

Minimum Education:

• Degree in a technical field (e.g., electrical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, or similar)
• Qualified European Patent Attorney (EPA) admitted to European Patent Office  required
• Qualified German Patent Attorney admitted to German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA)  preferred

Experience: 

• Minimum 7 years of patent drafting and prosecution experience, with at least 3-5 years in-house experience. Experience in a multinational or manufacturing company is advantageous. Solid understanding of intellectual property.
• Experience in managing global patent portfolios and conducting infringement analyses
• Experience in automotive, electronics, lighting, or related technologies is advantageous
• Strong analytical, drafting, and strategic thinking skills
• Fluency in English

Skills:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance legal and business considerations effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and confidently to non-legal stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team and to collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and Microsoft Office suite.
• Committed to professional development and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of legal practices and industry trends.

Other Skills that would be welcome:

• Knowledge of UPC practice before the Unified Patent Court
• Experience with SEPs or standards-related patents

What does this position offer you:

• A strategic role within Marelli’s Global Intellectual Property team.
• Exposure to cutting-edge automotive lighting, electronics and other automotive technologies.
• Opportunity to shape and influence global patent strategy in the assigned technical area or division.
• Collaborative international environment.
• Professional growth within a global innovation-driven organization.