Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transportation. In 2021, Continental generated sales of €33.8 billion and currently employs more than 190,000 people in 58 countries and markets. On October 8, 2021, the company celebrated its 150th anniversary. The Automotive group sector comprises technologies for passive safety, brake, chassis, motion and motion control systems. Innovative solutions for assisted and automated driving, display and operating technologies, as well as audio and camera solutions for the vehicle interior, are also part of the portfolio, as is intelligent information and communication technology for the mobility services of fleet operators and commercial vehicle manufacturers. Comprehensive activities relating to connectivity technologies, vehicle electronics and high-performance computers round off the range of products and services

THE COMPANY

Continental Automotive is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world and a leader in automated driving. Through our pioneering technologies and services, we’re changing the future of mobility to make it more safe, smart, and sustainable. Our Auburn Hills, MI location is seeking a highly self-motivated and detail-oriented Attorney - Patents to join our Group Compliance, Law & Intellectual Property team. The ideal candidate has patent application preparation and prosecution experience.

Are you ready to shape the future with us?

THE POSITION

• Responsible for controlling and tracking spending to stay within budget guidelines.
• Extensive knowledge of USPTO and PCT rules, regulations, forms; ability to perform research in the MPEP and to share knowledge with and train others.
• Experience should include drafting and prosecuting domestic and international patent applications, conducting product clearances, freedom to operate and patentability searches. Some experience with trademarks and IP ¬related agreements, such as non-disclosure, licensing, litigation support, supplier and development agreements would be helpful.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills that adhere to Continental Business System’s collegial and respectful interpersonal communications policy.
• Flexible and able to work independently and within a highly functional team under tight deadlines, handle multiple tasks, work collaboratively, think creatively, take initiative and respond quickly to changing priorities.
• Able to work in a collaborative teamwork style work environment and be willing to assist/support others.
• Strong computer skills including an ability to actively learn and utilize software including, Microsoft Office, the USPTO's EFS, and Continental's IP docket management database.

WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY

• Immediate Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition & Employee Discounts
• Annual Bonus
• Employer 401(k) Match
• And more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering
• Juris Doctorate Degree with license to practice law in the United States (Michigan, South Carolina, Ohio or Illinois preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of patent application preparation and prosecution experience on U.S. and foreign patent filings (approx. 20 apps/year).
• Minimum 7 years of professional working experience
• In-depth understanding of and experience in both US and foreign patent practice and their intricate distinctions.
• Experience primarily should include drafting and prosecuting domestic and international patent applications (85%).
• Must be flexible and able to work independently and within a highly functional team under tight deadlines, handle multiple tasks, work collaboratively, think creatively, take initiative and respond quickly to changing priorities and goals.
• Able to work in a collaborative teamwork style work environment and be willing to assist/support others.
• Ability to think strategically and make decisions.
• Fluency in English. German capability is a plus.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 30%)

***Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Patent application preparation and prosecution experience in the field of polymer chemistry.
• Extensive knowledge of USPTO and PCT rules, regulations, and forms; ability to perform research on CAFC case law and in the MPEP and to share knowledge with and train others.
• Minor experience with trademarks and IP-related agreements, such as non-disclosure, licensing, Open Source Counseling, litigation support, supplier and development agreements (5% - 10%).
• Conducting product clearances, freedom to operate,
• and patentability searches.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills that adhere to Continental Business System (CBS) policy and to the IP department's highly collegial and respectful interpersonal communications culture.
• Strong computer skills, including an ability to actively learn and utilize software, including Microsoft Office, the USPTO's EFS, and Continental's IP docket management database.

EEO-Statement:

EEO / AA / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 248.393.5566. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.