Intellectual Property Manager

About Us
We are a European scale up dedicated to developing cutting-edge, automated wind-assisted propulsion systems. Our goal is to provide a turnkey solution for shipowners and shipping companies who seek to reduce fuel costs and emissions. Our vision is simple yet ambitious – we aim to power the world with wind.

Imagine a world where the vast oceans are effortlessly traversed using the clean and boundless power of the wind. At bound4blue, we are turning this dream into reality. We're not just creating wind propulsion systems but revolutionizing the maritime industry, one sustainable voyage at a time. While bringing sails back to ships may seem challenging, we are more than prepared for it. We are innovators who understand the perfect harmony between nature and technology.

About The Role
We are looking for a senior IP professional to take full ownership of our global Intellectual Property strategy. This role will manage patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and technology surveillance, ensuring that our innovations are protected and aligned with the business.

The position requires a close working relationship with almost every department in the company, ensuring proper identification of innovations, strategic filings, and risk mitigation across all technical and corporate areas.

Responsibilities
Patent & Portfolio Management

• Define, maintain, and optimise the patent portfolio, including decisions on maintenance, abandonment, extensions, and international filings.
• Manage existing patents under review (Europe, China, Asia, etc.) and ensure timely action with external counsel.
• Conduct technical reviews to assess relevance, competitive positioning, and potential conflicts.
• Oversee administrative maintenance and quarterly reviews of patent status.
• Define and oversee the annual IP budget.

New Patent Pipeline & Innovation Intake

• Lead the intake, screening, and prioritisation of new patent ideas from all company areas.
• Coordinate preparation of new filings with internal teams and external IP advisors.
• Ensure structured documentation and clear decision-making processes.

Trademarks & Brand Protection

• Manage the trademark portfolio (b4b, eSAIL), including new classes, renewals, and protection in strategic markets.
• Assess new naming and branding proposals for future technologies or products.

Technology Watch & Competitive Intelligence

• Lead quarterly Technology Watch cycles with external IP advisors and internal stakeholders.
• Analyse competitor patent activity and propose defensive or offensive actions (e.g., oppositions).
• Prepare regular reports to Management and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.

Trade Secrets & Cybersecurity Alignment

• Develop and maintain the company's trade secret framework.
• Coordinate with IT and technical teams to ensure cybersecurity measures around sensitive IP.
• Evaluate which innovations should be patented versus protected as trade secrets.

Patent Box & Corporate Structure

• Work with Finance and Governance to assess Patent Box implications.
• Review impacts on subsidiaries, transfer pricing, licensing, and public funding.

Requirements
Experience & Background

• 7+ years in Intellectual Property management or a similar role within industrial, engineering, or technology-driven sectors.
• Experience managing international patent portfolios and working with IP law firms.
• Academic background in mechanical or electronic engineering.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of patents, trademarks, and trade secret protection.
• Familiarity with EPO, PCT processes and major international jurisdictions.
• Ability to interpret complex technical content from engineering teams.
• Qualified European Patent Attorney certification is a strong nice to have.
• Fluent English and Spanish required.

Soft Skills

• Strategic mindset with strong analytical capabilities.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• High autonomy, ownership, and ability to make informed decisions.

What Awaits You At B4b

• A strategic role shaping the protection of our core technology.
• Full ownership of our global IP strategy and portfolio.
• Close collaboration across the entire organisation.
• A mission-driven, international, and innovative environment.
• Autonomy, impact, and the opportunity to build robust global IP foundations.

bound4blue develops automated wind-assisted propulsion systems as a turnkey solution for all shipowners and shipping companies seeking to reduce fuel costs and polluting emissions. bound4blue's eSAIL system is a validated solution for saving fuel and emissions, completely autonomous, with low maintenance and easy installation onboard, being the most cost-efficient wind propulsion technology today.