Global Head of Intellectual Property

pSonova is a global leader in innovative hearing care solutions, dedicated to improving lives through technology. Intellectual Property is a critical strategic asset that underpins our innovation leadership, competitive differentiation, and long-term business success. /p pWe are seeking a bGlobal Head of Intellectual Property /bto lead Sonova's global intellectual property strategy and governance framework. This is a highly visible enterprise leadership role operating at the intersection of Legal, RD, innovation, and business strategy. /p pThe execuitve will serve as the enterprise owner of IP strategy, risk management, enforcement, licensing strategy, and governance across both hard and soft IP. Working in close partnership with RD leadership, the leader will ensure that intellectual property is fully integrated into technology planning, innovation pipelines, product roadmaps, and business decision-making. /p pThe successful candidate will lead a global IP organization through experienced team leaders and external partners while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on matters that impact innovation, competitive positioning, and enterprise value creation. /p pbKey Responsibilities /b /p pbEnterprise IP Strategy Leadership /b /p liDefine, develop, and continuously evolve Sonova's global intellectual property strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, innovation priorities, and market positioning. /li liServe as the principal advisor to the General Counsel, Executive Committee members, RD leadership, and senior business leaders on intellectual property matters. /li liOwn enterprise-wide IP governance, risk management, and strategic decision-making across patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and related intellectual property assets. /li liLead and develop senior IP professionals while fostering a business-oriented and strategically focused IP culture. /li liShape the future evolution of Sonova's IP function, capabilities, operating model, and external partnerships. /li pbStrategic Partnership with RD /b /p liServe as the primary strategic interface between the Legal and RD organizations on all intellectual property matters. /li liEnsure IP strategy is embedded throughout innovation processes, technology planning, product development, and long-term technology roadmaps. /li liMaintain a permanent strategic presence within innovation planning and technology governance forums to identify and protect key innovations at the earliest stages of development. /li liGuide strategic decisions concerning patents, trade secrets, design rights, publication strategies, open innovation initiatives, and alternative protection mechanisms. /li liPartner closely with RD leadership to ensure effective operation of invention harvesting processes, IP stage-gates, freedom-to-operate reviews, and technical risk assessments. /li pbPortfolio Strategy Investment Governance /b /p liEstablish the strategic direction for Sonova's global patent and design portfolio. /li liEnsure portfolio investments are aligned with business priorities, technology trends, and competitive differentiation objectives. /li liOversee portfolio development, prosecution strategy, maintenance decisions, and lifecycle management through experienced internal teams and external counsel. /li liRegularly assess portfolio strength, geographic coverage, white-space opportunities, competitive positioning, and emerging risks. /li liDrive a disciplined approach to maximizing portfolio value and return on investment. /li pbCompetitive Intelligence Strategic Risk Assessment /b /p liDirect Sonova's IP-based competitive intelligence strategy, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities and technology objectives. /li liOversee strategic freedom-to-operate, clearance, and risk management frameworks across the organization. /li liTranslate complex competitive IP landscapes into actionable strategic recommendations for executive leadership. /li liMonitor significant industry, regulatory, technological, and competitive developments impacting Sonova's innovation strategy. /li liIdentify opportunities for portfolio strengthening, strategic acquisitions, partnerships, licensing opportunities, and risk mitigation. /li pbLicensing, Partnerships Value Creation /b /p liLead the company's strategy for licensing, cross-licensing, technology partnerships, and other IP-based value creation initiatives. /li liSupport strategic commercial negotiations where intellectual property is a key business asset. /li liProvide strategic IP leadership in MA transactions, partnerships, collaborations, and technology investments. /li liEvaluate opportunities to leverage Sonova's intellectual property portfolio as a competitive and commercial advantage. /li pbDisputes, Enforcement Litigation Strategy /b /p liDefine and direct Sonova's global strategy for IP enforcement, defense, and dispute resolution. /li liOversee significant patent, trademark, copyright, advertising, and technology-related disputes worldwide. /li liManage external counsel and expert advisors supporting contentious IP matters. /li liAdvise executive leadership on risk exposure, litigation strategy, settlement considerations, and business impacts. /li liEnsure alignment between litigation strategy, portfolio development, and broader business objectives. /li pbSoft IP Governance Brand Protection /b /p liOversee enterprise management of trademarks, copyrights, brand protection, marketing claims, and related intellectual property matters. /li liEnsure effective collaboration between Legal, Marketing, and Commercial functions to protect and enhance Sonova's brand assets. /li liEstablish frameworks that enable early review, clearance, and protection of brand and product naming initiatives. /li liSupport the development and protection of valuable intangible assets across the business. /li pbGovernance Enterprise Risk Management /b /p liEstablish and maintain robust IP governance frameworks, policies, processes, and decision-making standards. /li liChair or actively participate in cross-functional governance forums responsible for intellectual property strategy, prioritization, and resource alignment. /li liEnsure consistent and proactive management of IP-related risks across jurisdictions and business functions. /li liPromote enterprise-wide awareness of intellectual property as a strategic business asset. /li liEnsure effective utilization of external counsel, service providers, and supporting resources. /li pbMore about you: /b /p liAdvanced degree (JD, PhD, LLM, MSc Engineering, or equivalent) in a legal, scientific, engineering, or technical discipline. /li li15+ years of progressive intellectual property experience with significant exposure to patent strategy and counseling. /li liDemonstrated success operating at a senior strategic level and influencing executive leadership and RD organizations. /li liDeep understanding of global patent systems and broader intellectual property frameworks. /li liExperience leading IP organizations through senior professionals and external partners. /li liStrong commercial orientation with the ability to balance legal, technical, business, and innovation considerations. /li liProven experience managing complex cross-functional stakeholder environments. /li pbPreferred previous experience /b /p liExperience within a multinational technology, healthcare, medical device, electronics, software, or innovation-driven organization. /li liSignificant experience in patent litigation, enforcement, oppositions, or dispute management in the US and Europe. /li liDemonstrated success supporting strategic licensing, cross-licensing, technology transactions, collaborations, or MA activities. /li liFamiliarity with ., European, and Asian intellectual property systems and regulatory environments. /li liExperience partnering closely with engineering and RD organizations in highly innovative environments. /li pbWhy Join Sonova /b /p pThis is a rare opportunity to shape the intellectual property strategy of a global innovation leader operating at the intersection of healthcare and technology. /p pYou will have direct influence on innovation strategy, technology direction, competitive positioning, and enterprise value creation while partnering closely with world-class RD, legal, and business leaders. The role offers exceptional visibility, meaningful impact, and the opportunity to help define the future of intellectual property at Sonova. /p