Forvia, a sustainable mobility technology leader

We pioneer technology for mobility experience that matter to people.

What we can do for you At Forvia, you will find an engaging and dynamic environment where you can contribute to the development of sustainable mobility leading technologies.  We are the seventh-largest global automotive supplier, employing more than 157,000 people in more than 40 countries which makes a lot of opportunity for career development. We welcome energetic and agile people who can thrive in a fast-changing environment. People who share our strong values. Team players with a collaborative mindset and a passion to deliver high standards for our clients. Lifelong learners. High performers. Globally minded people who aspire to work in a transforming industry, where excellence, speed, and quality count. We cultivate a learning environment, dedicating tools and resources to ensure we remain at the forefront of mobility.  Our people enjoy an average of more than 22 hours of online and in-person training within FORVIA University (five campuses around the world) We offer a multicultural environment that values diversity and international collaboration. We believe that diversity is a strength. To create an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity create real value for the company, we have adopted gender diversity targets and inclusion action plans. Achieving CO2 Net Zero as a pioneer of the automotive industry is a priority: In June 2022, Forvia became the first global automotive group to be certified with the new SBTI Net-Zero Standard (the most ambitious standard of SBTi), aligned with the ambition of the 2015 Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Three principles guide our action: use less, use better and use longer, with a focus on recyclability and circular economy. Your mission, roles and responsibilities

Position:     Head of IP Law
Location:     Nanterre (Paris area), France
Department: Group Legal
Reports to:     Vice-President & General Counsel for Business Affairs and, functionally to the Chief Technology Officer.

Overview:
The Head of IP Law will lead the legal services for the intellectual property (IP) function of the company, overseeing the development, management, and enforcement of IP assets. This individual will work very closely with the Head of the Group Intellectual Property department (patents engineers) and with various other departments, such as Group communication department, to protect the company’s innovations, brands, and proprietary technologies while supporting the company's business goals.
Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Leadership:

-    Contribute to develop and execute a comprehensive IP strategy aligned with the company's business objectives and growth plans.
-    Lead, mentor, and manage a team of IP legal professionals, including in-house counsel and external IP service providers.
-    Collaborate with Group Intellectual Property department, senior leadership, R&D, and business units to identify, protect, and commercialize IP assets.

IP Portfolio Management:

-    Contributes and supports the Group Intellectual Property department for to the management of the overall patent and design patent portfolio.
-    Oversee or manage the company’s global trademarks and copyrights.
-    Ensure the filing, prosecution, and maintenance of IP rights across jurisdictions, in association with local legal teams or legal business units teams.

 IP Litigation & Enforcement:

-    Lead and manage IP litigation and disputes, working with external counsel as needed.
-    Develop and implement strategies to enforce the company’s IP rights against infringement, including litigation, negotiations, and settlement strategies.

Licensing & Commercialization:

-    Oversee licensing agreements, joint ventures, and collaborations related to IP assets.
-    Oversees or directly negotiate and draft IP licensing and commercialization agreements to maximize the company’s competitive advantage.

Advisory Role:

-    Provide legal advice to senior management and business teams on legal IP matters, including IP strategy and risk mitigation.
-    Stay current on developments in IP law, including new legislation, case law, and industry trends.

Compliance & Risk Management:

-    Ensure compliance with IP laws and regulations in all jurisdictions where the company operates.
-    Identify and mitigate IP-related risks, including through internal training and best practice development.

Your profile and competencies to succeed

Required Qualifications:

Master 2 / Juris Doctor or equivalent legal degree.Admission to practice law in relevant jurisdiction(s).A minimum of 8/10 years of experience in IP law, with substantial experience managing complex IP portfolios.Expertise in a broad range of IP issues, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.Experience in negotiating and drafting IP agreements and licenses.Strong background in IP litigation, including enforcement and defense.Proven leadership and management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across business functions.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.Fluent/professional level in English; French useful.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in law firms. Experience in a large corporation or multinational environment.Why join us

FORVIA is an automotive technology group at the heart of smarter and more sustainable mobility. We bring together expertise in electronics, clean mobility, lighting, interiors, seating, and lifecycle solutions to drive change in the automotive industry.

With a history stretching back more than a century, we are the 7th largest global automotive supplier, employing more than 157,000 people in 43 countries. You'll find our technology in around 1 out of 2 vehicles produced anywhere in the world.

In June 2022, we became the 1st global automotive group to be certified with the SBTI Net-Zero Standard. We have committed to reach CO2 Net Zero by no later than 2045.

As technological innovation and the need for sustainability transform the automotive industry, we are ideally positioned to deliver solutions that will enhance the lives of road-users everywhere.