Legal Officer – Standard Essential Patents (SEP)

About the role

The Legal Officer will support WIPO’s Standard Essential Patents (SEP) initiatives, translating strategic objectives into concrete activities. Based in Geneva, the role combines legal research, project management, and policy development within the Patent and Technology Law Division.

Key responsibilities

• Implement and coordinate SEP initiatives in line with the WIPO SEP Strategy, acting as the focal point for assigned projects.
• Conduct legal and policy research on SEP management, licensing, enforcement, and case law, producing strategic and informational documents.
• Contribute to the planning of future SEP activities by identifying emerging issues and supporting internal strategic discussions.
• Coordinate SEP-related work with other WIPO divisions and maintain up‑to‑date information on the WIPO website and WIPO Lex Case Law Collection.
• Engage with Member States, industry representatives, academic institutions, and Standard‑Developing Organizations, supporting thematic events, panels, and capacity‑building activities.

Required profile

• Legal background with experience in patent law and familiarity with Standard Essential Patents.
• Proven ability to conduct in‑depth legal research and produce policy‑oriented documentation.
• Strong project management skills and experience coordinating multi‑stakeholder initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills for interaction with internal divisions and external partners.

Required skills

What we offer

• Two‑year fixed‑term contract within an international organization.
• Opportunity to influence global patent policy and work with leading IP experts.
• Professional development in a collaborative, multilingual environment.