Requirements: English
Company: Lotus Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
Region: Barcelona , Catalonia
Founded in 1966, Lotus (1795: TT) is international pharmaceutical company with global presence, focused on commercializing novel and generic pharmaceuticals, offering patients better, safe and more accessible medicines. The Company has a recognized best-in-class R&D and manufacturing platform in Asia and has established partnerships in nearly every global market including the U.S., Europe, Japan, China, and Brazil. Lotus runs over 100 strategically selected pharmaceutical projects in development and registrations across Asia and the US, with over 250 commercial products. The Company invests in diversified best portfolio consisting of high-barrier oncology, complex generics as well as 505(b)2 and NCE via internal R&D investment and licensing-in partnership, and also strengthens its portfolio competitiveness by adding biosimilar products with support from strategic partners. Its industry-leading infrastructure certified by most of the advanced regulatory authorities around the world, including US FDA, EU EMA, Japan PMDA, China FDA, and Brazil ANVISA.
Position Summary
We are a pharmaceutical company active in both generics and innovation, looking to strengthen our European IP capabilities with the recruitment of a European Patent Specialist. This is a strategic and hands-on role, focused on enabling market access by navigating complex patent landscapes, challenging third-party rights when necessary, and supporting innovation through solid patent protection.
The role will act as the key European interface between our central IP team in Hyderabad and various functions in Europe, especially Regulatory Affairs. It also includes active collaboration with business development and licensing teams.
Preferring ideal candidate located in Barcelona Spain or Romania/Bulgaria, this role will report to Global Head of IP
Key Responsibilities
1. Freedom to Operate (FTO) & Market Access Strategy
- Conduct in-depth patent landscape analysis to evaluate FTO for generic and innovative pharmaceutical products, assuming no clear path exists a priori.
- Identify viable routes to market, whether by avoiding infringement or by challenging the validity of blocking IP (e.g., oppositions, third-party observations, revocation actions).
- Assess SPCs, waivers, and exclusivities relevant to product launch timing and risks.
2. Patent Prosecution, Oppositions & Lifecycle Management
- Lead European patent oppositions, appeals, and related invalidity actions.
- Oversee patent filing strategy, prosecution, validations, and maintenance within Europe.
- Collaborate with external counsel and align with the IP team in India for consistent execution.
3. Innovation Support & IP Protection
- Support the identification of innovative opportunities within the companys portfolio or R&D efforts.
- Draft or coordinate drafting of new patent applications to protect innovations (e.g., new forms, combinations, uses, synthetic routes).
- Monitor competitive patent activity and provide strategic input to internal stakeholders.
4. Regulatory and Licensing Interface
- Act as primary point of contact in Europe for IP-related matters supporting regulatory submissions, due diligence processes, and licensing.
- Contribute to regulatory assessments by evaluating IP risks in the context of product acquisitions or submissions.
- Ensure IP input into regulatory timelines and documentation (e.g., exclusivities, product naming/branding considerations).
5. Trademarks and Branding IP
- Manage and coordinate Trademarks, including filings, oppositions, and renewals.
- Liaise with commercial and regulatory teams on brand-related legal clearance issues.
Candidate Profile
Must-Have Qualifications
- Degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Life Sciences, or related field.
- Qualified European Patent Attorney (or in advanced stages toward qualification, e.g., passed EQE pre-exam).
- 35+ years of experience in pharmaceutical patent work, with demonstrable experience in oppositions and FTO assessments.
- Solid understanding of European patent procedures, SPCs, and exclusivity frameworks.
- Strong analytical skills; ability to synthesize legal and technical issues clearly and concisely.
Preferred Skills & Attributes
- Experience with IP due diligence for in-licensing, acquisition, or regulatory support.
- Understanding of trademark systems and coordination with regulatory or commercial functions.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional European languages are an asset.
- High autonomy, stru