SVP Worldwide

North America Corporate Job Description

Job Title: Patent Agent/Technical Specialist

Department: Legal

Reports To: Kari Miller, Associate General Counsel

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Nashville, TN (hybrid)

SVP Worldwide, the world’s largest consumer sewing machine company, has an immediate full time Patent Agent/Technical Specialist position available. The company and its four iconic brands - SINGER®, HUSQVARNA® VIKING®, PFAFF®, and CREATIVATE™ - have delighted consumers for over 170 years. These premium brands and products are regarded as the choice for serious sewists and novice crafters.

The global sewing machine industry is experiencing renewed growth, expected to grow at 6.7% annually. With a product portfolio inclusive of sewing machines, accessories, notions, garment care products, and software, it is an exciting time to join and grow a career with us!

The global corporate headquarters is located in Nashville, TN (USA) and is supported by regional headquarters/sales offices in Milan (Italy), and Mexico City (Mexico). With manufacturing facilities across Asia and Latin America, multiple R&D centers, a software development center in Europe, and a global supply chain with distribution centers in all regions, we are proud to reach consumers worldwide.

SVP Worldwide continues to weave our culture into the fabric of our team members by living out our core values of Integrity, Trust, Teamwork and Customer Focus. As our industry continues to grow, there are vast opportunities for new team members who share our commitment to delivering the world’s finest sewing and crafting products, services, software and a frictionless customer experience. Explore current career openings at SVP Worldwide locations around the world, right here and now.

Job Summary

The Patent Agent/Technical Specialist will primarily focus on the development and maintenance of a patent portfolio for innovations originating from SVPs’ development activities. The role includes management of a patent portfolio relating to mechanical, electrical and software engineering, with specific technology in sewing and embroidery machines. The successful candidate will be expected to independently manage an active caseload, strategically direct outside counsel, and skillfully advise internal business colleagues. The Patent Agent/Technical Specialist will work closely with a diverse and talented group of engineers to: identify, strategically file, and guide prosecution of patentable inventions, search and analyze competitive patents in key technology areas, provide technical analysis and freedom to operate opinions, aid in company-wide patent education initiatives, and help guide the development of new products.

Job Responsibilities

• Maintain a strong knowledge of SVP product lines, technologies, and industry technology applicable to project assignments
• Integrate with assigned product and project teams
• Monitor and assess competitive patents relevant to SVP products
• Counsel engineers and other technical personnel regarding patentability, patent procedure, portfolio strategy and related issues and conduct training
• Conduct patent clearance reviews and identify patents that need further study or formal opinions from outside counsel
• Lead product patent mining sessions and prepare materials for outside counsel to be used in patent applications
• Creation and implementation of strategy and procedures for patent management
• Solicit, review, and manage approval process for invention disclosures
• Confidently communicate to the project team patent updates throughout the development process
• Independently and effectively manage and oversee outside counsel in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in the U.S. and abroad while working within a budget
• Knowledge and interest in patent-related issues associated with commercial agreements and licensing arrangements

We Offer You:

• Full benefits package; medical, dental, vision
• 401k plan
• Competitive PTO accrual as well as additional wellness days
• Hybrid work schedule
• Work environment that harbors a culture of collaboration and community
• Learning and development opportunities

You Bring (requirements, preferred skills):

• Bachelor’s degree required, strongly preferred in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science (unrelated degree acceptable with equivalent professional experience)
• USPTO registered patent agent preferred
• 3+ years of relevant experience
• Experience managing a portfolio of patents and additional time sensitive projects in a fast-paced organization
• Proficient understanding of patent filing and prosecution inside and outside of the United States
• Assertive self-starter with excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and superior time-management skills
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical and strategic legal advice to senior business leaders
• Experience in an industry which manufactures and/or sells a commercial product preferred
• Industry experience as an engineer, programmer or related role preferred

You will need to be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation, including:

• Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, meeting rooms, copier/printer etc as well as have the ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
• Required to retrieve or reposition products like sewing machines weighing up to 50 pounds

The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Work Environment/Location/Flex Arrangement:

SVP Worldwide offers a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. As part of our Flexible Workplace Policy, this position will be hybrid based in our company HQ in Nashville, TN.

Why You Will Love Being a Part of the SVP Worldwide Team:

We take care of our team! We offer a competitive benefit package including: multiple health plan options comprised of vision and dental plans, 401K plan, life insurance, disability insurance, pet insurance, parental leave, generous employee discounts and paid time off benefits including wellbeing days.

At SVP Worldwide, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion and strive to employ a unique workforce that is reflective of our consumers across the globe. That means understanding, respecting and valuing diversity- unique styles, experiences, identities, ideas and opinions – while being inclusive of all people.

SVP Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit and qualifications. SVP Worldwide prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual identity, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, nationality, citizenship, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, or any other unlawful consideration.

In The News:

In 2021, SVP Worldwide was acquired by Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com), a global investment firm with more than $25 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of approximately 50 operating companies that serve customers around the world. Platinum Equity has committed to fully support SVP Worldwide’s continued growth and to bring additional financial and operational resources to help accelerate the company’s efforts.

Like what you see? Then come “sew” and grow your career with us!

Follow us on LinkedIn and get updates from SVP Worldwide!

5-7 years experience in managing process. Applies practical knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work expeirence. Ability to influence others at all levels within the organization.