Lead Patent Counsel - Digital & AI

About the role

As a Lead Patent Counsel for Digital & AI, you will protect Nestlé’s cutting‑edge digital, AI‑driven and electronics innovations. You will serve as the primary legal R&D partner, shaping IP strategy across the Nestlé research ecosystem.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver IP strategy for digital, AI and electronics innovations in close partnership with R&D teams and patent professionals.
• Lead business‑driven patent filing, prosecution, Freedom‑to‑Operate assessments, oppositions and defence against third‑party oppositions.
• Manage the patent portfolio with strong business alignment and rigorous cost control.
• Advise on IP matters in R&D collaborations, licensing, joint developments and Digital & AI partnerships.
• Support categories such as Coffee & Systems on connected systems, digital platforms and AI‑based innovations.
• Partner with Nestlé Research, Deep Tech Center and other R&D centres to protect digital and AI inventions.
• Promote IP awareness through training sessions and communication, contributing to enforcement of Nestlé patents.

Required profile

• Fully qualified patent attorney (European Patent Attorney or equivalent) with a background in electronics, computer science, software engineering, data science, AI or related fields.
• More than 3 years post‑qualification experience drafting, prosecuting and conducting Freedom‑to‑Operate assessments for digital, electronics or AI inventions.
• Proven track record developing business‑driven IP strategies across multiple jurisdictions (EPO, USPTO, CNIPA).
• Service‑oriented, pragmatic, rigorous and collaborative with the ability to engage senior R&D partners.
• Fluent in English; French is a plus.

Required skills

• Electronics
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning

What we offer

• Exciting career development opportunities across brands, businesses and regions.
• Flexible working arrangements that foster creativity and collaboration.
• A culture of respect with diversity, equity and inclusion at its core.
• A dynamic international environment encouraging continuous learning and growth.