Swatch Group European Patent Attorney
- Location
- Neuchâtel Neuchâtel Switzerland
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Department
- Legal & Compliance
- Industry
- Fine Watches & Horology
- Posted
- Aug 12, 2026
About Swatch Group
Swatch Group stands as one of the world’s foremost watchmaking groups, uniting Swiss industrial excellence with a portfolio of distinguished maisons spanning accessible design, prestige horology, and high complication craft. As an employer, the Group offers a uniquely integrated environment, from research, manufacturing, and movement development to brand management, retail, and global operations. Rooted in Biel/Bienne and present worldwide, it values technical mastery, creative curiosity, and long-term commitment. Employees contribute to a culture where heritage, innovation, precision, and entrepreneurial energy converge, supporting iconic brands while shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking on an international stage.
The Swatch Group seeks a European Patent Attorney for its Neuchâtel office to manage comprehensive intellectual property services across the organisation. The successful candidate will protect innovations from group companies through patent application drafting, filing, and prosecution across multiple jurisdictions, whilst handling oppositions, infringement assessments, licence agreements, and enforcement matters.
Role & Responsibilities
- Provide intellectual property services and strategic guidance to all operating companies across The Swatch Group
- Protect group innovations through drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications in various countries worldwide
- Conduct opposition proceedings, infringement risk assessments, and validity evaluations of patents
- Negotiate and manage licence agreements and oversee patent enforcement activities
- Monitor emerging technologies and maintain awareness of competitive patent landscapes within the watchmaking and component manufacturing sectors
Qualifications
- Qualified representative before the European Patent Office
- Technical background in mechanical engineering, physics, or micro-technical disciplines
- Proven expertise in patent law and intellectual property management
- Professional fluency in both French and English languages
Skills
Experience
7-10 years of professional experience in patent law, intellectual property management, or a closely related IP function, ideally within the mechanical engineering, manufacturing, or technology sectors.
Education
Technical qualification (degree or equivalent credential) in mechanical engineering, physics, micro-technical sciences, or a related discipline. Legal qualification or patent law certification as required by the European Patent Office.
Workplace
This position is based in Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Culture
Swatch Group offers a dynamic, multicultural workplace rooted in Swiss precision, creativity, and a deep passion for watchmaking. As an employer, it brings together craftsmanship, industrial expertise, and brand diversity, giving teams the opportunity to contribute to both iconic heritage maisons and forward-looking innovation.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Swatch Group, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Patent Counsel», «Intellectual Property Attorney», «Patent Prosecution Specialist», «IP Legal Advisor», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.