IP Manager Inkjet Equipment & Software

IP Manager Inkjet Equipment & Software

Department:   Intellectual Property

Location:          Mortsel or Cambridge, with occasional travel between both sites

Reports to:       Head of IP

About the Role

As IP Manager, you will play a key role in protecting, managing, and strategically leveraging Agfa’s intellectual property portfolio across industrial inkjet printing systems and workflow software. You will collaborate closely with R&D, Product Management, and Legal to safeguard Agfa’s innovations and ensure business decisions are supported by a robust and forward‑looking IP strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary IP contact for inkjet equipment and software.
• Identify inventions within the inkjet hardware and software teams.
• Draft high‑quality patent applications and manage global prosecution with external agents.
• Maintain, strengthen, and align the IP portfolio with Agfa’s business and technology strategy.
• Conduct portfolio reviews and recommend filing, extension, or pruning actions.
• Perform FTO assessments for new inkjet products and software releases.
• Advise R&D and management on IP risks, infringement exposure, and mitigation strategies.
• Provide clear and actionable recommendations to support go/no‑go decisions.
• Contribute to IP strategy development for inkjet systems and embedded software.
• Evaluate competitor IP landscapes to identify risks and opportunities.
• Conduct oppositions and assist with litigation and invalidity actions.
• Support technology scouting, M&A activities, and partnership negotiations from an IP perspective.
• Support contract drafting by providing IP clauses (NDA, development agreements, licensing).
• Contribute to internal policies on trade secrets and know‑how protection.
• Assist in trademark, design protection, and copyright matters as needed.

Profile & Qualifications

What you bring

• A Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Electronics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Qualification as a European Patent Attorney, or advanced progress toward this certification.
• Ideally at least five years of IP experience in a high‑tech, machinery, or software‑driven environment.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex technical and legal topics clearly.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Integrity, open‑mindedness, respect, and sincerity are part of your professional DNA.
• A natural team player who collaborates effectively across functions.

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of Dutch or additional languages.
• Experience with inkjet technology or workflow/production software.
• Experience in software‑related inventions (algorithms, image processing, workflow management).
• Familiarity with patent litigation, oppositions, and global prosecution strategies.
• Litigation Certificate for the Unified Patent Court
• Ability to work independently while engaging effectively with multiple R&D sites.

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What We Offer

At Agfa, you will hold a strategic and influential position at the core of our innovation ecosystem. You will collaborate with top engineers and software developers, directly contributing to the protection and long‑term value of our technological breakthroughs.

We offer opportunities for continuous learning and development in both technical and legal domains, within a dynamic international environment spanning two major innovation hubs.

You will join a team of engaged, supportive, and knowledgeable colleagues who value cooperation and open communication. Together, you’ll work in a culture where people help each other succeed and where cross‑functional teamwork is simply part of how we operate.

We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive, supporting open idea‑sharing, professional growth, and genuine career advancement. We promote an inclusive culture with equal opportunities for all, and we reward your contributions with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

With all this and more, imagine what you can achieve at Agfa.