Albany International Corporation seeks a Patent Attorney, whose primary responsibility will be managing and leading the development and implementation of the Company's patent strategies. The role will oversee management of Albany's patent portfolio, conducted through patent searches and collaboration with company's R&D, engineering teams and outside counsel to identify and protect novel innovations. The selected candidate, in conjunction with business unit strategies, will continue to build and define a comprehensive IP portfolio of defensible patents and augment with appropriate technology licenses to enhance our strategic competitive position in the global marketplaces. Additionally, the selected candidate will engage in guiding and facilitating the prosecution of patent applications and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. She/he/they will report to the General Counsel & VP Secretary and support AIC's overall growth, stake holder satisfaction and foster business success.

Albany International is a multinational corporation that specializes in advanced textiles and materials processing. The Company manufactures engineered components, primarily for the aerospace and paper industries, including products like composite aircraft parts, fabrics used in paper manufacturing, and advanced filtration materials. The company has 2 core businesses, The segment is the world's leading producer of custom-designed fabrics and belts essential to production in the paper, nonwovens, and other process industries' products. (AEC) is a rapidly growing supplier of highly engineered composite parts for the aerospace industry.

Responsibilities & Key Areas

The Patent Attorney is required to be growth-oriented and dynamic, to meet up with the pace of competitors and she/he/they will liaison frequently with the company's R&D, Engineering teams and outside patent counsel. The role will include strategic analysis of competitors' patents and provide guidance on intellectual property issues to support the R&D team and the Legal Department. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for cross functional collaboration and effective management of legal aspects related to technology and innovation.

• Oversee and direct Albany International's intellectual property strategy, partnering closely with the General Counsel to guide Albany's Business groups R&D, Business development, sales and marketing teams and executives.
• Oversee and direct outside patent counsel to align the Company's intellectual property strategy and action plans with global corporate strategy.
• Provide practical advice on intellectual property investments and uses, including quarterly IP updates to the General Counsel.
• Develop excellent relationships with Business groups and operational leaders to ensure that intellectual property needs are met in a timely and efficient manner.
• Review product and technical publications and partner with R&D and business teams to protect intellectual property and comply with applicable laws.
• Prepare overviews for the General Counsel including AIC IP Status, Competitor Technology / IP; License Agreements and related revenues and expenses.
• Direct a full range of patent support functions (including patent preparation and prosecution, maintenance and post-grant proceedings in the U.S. and other jurisdictions).
• Manage outside counsel on patent related legal work.
• Support commercial transactions and help drive intellectual property business development and collaboration opportunities relating to Albany's intellectual property.
• Drive technology heroes' program for the company with recognition and rewards.
• Manage intellectual property budget and other IP-related expenditures. Direct, administer and control all IP functions globally, including develop budget and monitor / control costs; aid in development of IP personnel.
• Oversee compliance under various license agreements and other intellectual property agreements and obligations.
• Direct strategy for and manage intellectual property litigation and proceedings.
• Facilitate necessary coordination between Legal (external) and personnel (e.g. inventors) for patent applications / prosecution.
• Make final determination of patentability and scope; set drafting / filing priorities; review / edit / approve all patent application drafts.
• Negotiate potential Infringement issues.
• Negotiate IP related licenses.
• Facilitate necessary coordination and cooperation between Legal (internal) for specific agreements (CDA/NDA's, Joint Development, etc.).
• Prepare/provide IP overviews for AI Technologists.
• Provide an additional venue for idea cross fertilization amongst product lines.
• Liaise with competitors on various issues.
• Provide IP Seminars for AI employees, as necessary.
• Travel to AI and "external to AI" facilities as required.
• In cooperation with Corporate Communications, approve publication content.
• Perform IP Audits of Potential (and Actual) Acquisitions.
• Contribute as needed on other matters for legal team.

In addition to these accountabilities, as a member of Albany's global legal team, employees act as full partners in making and supporting business decisions that are aimed at maximizing shareholder value. Albany's legal team has a strong focus on facilitating change and improvement both within legal teams and in the operations supported.

Preferred Experience/Characteristics/ Competencies & Education

• A J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school (or the equivalent); high degree of academic achievement. BS in Engineering or Materials Science preferred.
• Patent lawyer with IP protection experience for manufacturing & technology companies
• Licensed to practice law in one or more U.S. states.
• At least 5 years of law firm and/or corporate legal department experience.
• Drafting and negotiating licensing and other technology transactions.
• Excellent leadership capabilities and experience in managing intellectual property employees/teams across all company.
• Constantly and proactively sharing knowledge with teams and stakeholders via formal and informal networks.
• Experience providing strategic advice on intellectual property decisions.
• Experience or a strong interest in business development or other strategic activities to leverage investments in intellectual property.
• Exceptional diligence, organizational skills, and judgment.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to think strategically, effectively engage in-house clients, and well organized, thoughtful presentations to technical and non-technical members of the business.
• Ability to manage competing responsibilities and deadlines in a timely and efficient manner as an individual contributor and through your team.
• Proven record of building and maintaining business relationships with internal and external customers and maintains a great network.
• Solid "business sense" and understanding of the manufacturing industry. Preferred experience in the paper industry or aerospace industry.
• Maintains composure in stressful situations in a highly interactive role; is proactive and detail-oriented to navigate through roadblocks.

Remuneration & Benefits/ Other

• Location: Rochester, New Hampshire Preferred
• Compensation TBD for this new role: Will be structured to attract and retain the best possible candidate.
• Employee Value Proposition (to be shared)
• Retain Search