The Patent Engineer is the point of reference for patent matters for Eurac Research's scientists. The Patent Engineer supports the entire patenting process, from the identification of an invention and preventing its premature disclosure through to managing patent examination, with a focus on prior art searches, strategic analysis (commercial value, freedom-to-operate, geographic coverage), and drafting the patent application.

Responsibilities

Invention scouting – identifying, in close cooperation with our research staff, the research innovative results and defining the appropriate protection measures and commercialisation routes.

Prevention: manage the confidentiality of the results, invention traceability, ownership, and define correct inventorship.

Prior art search: conduct systematic searches across patent databases and scientific literature, documenting distinctiveness relative to prior art.

Strategic analysis: estimate commercial value, coordinate freedom-to-operate analysis, define geographic coverage.

Application drafting: oversee the technical description, claims, drawings, and unity of invention together with the patent attorney.

Filing: choose between the direct route and the PCT route, manage deadlines

Examination: review search reports, coordinate responses to objections, monitor competing applications.

Cross-cutting duties: manage the patent portfolio and act as the interface between researchers, patent attorneys, and patent offices





Manage the IP protection, strategic analysis, cost agevolazioni evaluation of IPR maintenance.

Provide internal advice, awareness training activites to researchers and institutes on IP and IPR matters.

Manage relations with patent attorneys and external consultants.

Ensure alignment of IP practices with national and European regulations IP internal regulation.

Qualifications

- Master's degree in engineering, or a related technical field; a PhD is a plus; qualification as a registered patent attorney is preferred but not required.
- 2-3 years of experience in patent-related work, with demonstrated ability in prior art searching and drafting/reviewing patent applications.
- Knowledge of patent law, filing procedures (national/EPO/PCT), and freedom-to-operate principles.
- Strong communication skills, ability to manage multiple cases in parallel, fluency in Italian and English, knowledge of German is considered a plus.
- Previous work experience in an academic or research institution, preferably in the field of technology transfer, is a plus..
- Ability to liaise effectively with researchers, companies, law firms, and IP consultants.
- Knowledge of software tools for patentability analysis and patent management.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Enjoy working in a team and delivering a service to colleagues.
- Friendly and self-confident.

📌 Patent Engineer (Bolzano)
🏢 Eurac Research
📍 Bolzano