Deputy Manager - Innovation

Group Company: Galaxy Surfactants Limited (GSL) Designation: Deputy Manager Office Location: TTC, Navi Mumbai Position description: To lead and manage the organization’s intellectual property strategy, ensuring robust protection of innovations and know-how. The role supports R&D, product development, and regulatory teams by mitigating IP risks and enhancing the company’s competitive edge in the sector. Primary Responsibilities: 1. IP Protection & Portfolio Management • Identify, evaluate, and protect inventions through drafting, filing, and prosecuting patents and securing grants aligned with organization’s strategy. • Manage and track patent renewals aligned with Product management strategy. • Monitor and defend against IP infringements and third-party challenges. 2. IP Risk Management • Conduct Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) and patentability searches. • Perform IP landscaping and white space analysis to guide R&D. • Evaluate competitor IP and develop counter strategies. 3. Legal & Compliance • Draft and review IP-related agreements: NDAs, licensing, MTAs, and collaboration contracts. • Ensure compliance with Indian and international IP laws (IN, US, EP, PCT, CN). • Liaise with external legal counsel and patent attorneys. 4. Strategic IP Advisory • Advise R&D and marketing teams on IP strategy during product development. • Conduct IP awareness and training sessions for internal stakeholders. • Maintain IP databases and generate reports for management. 5. Scientific & Technical Support • Collaborate with formulation scientists and packaging engineers to identify patentable innovations. • Use scientific databases and tools for literature and prior art searches. Educational qualifications preferred: • Education: <M.Sc>. or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related field. • Preferred: PG Diploma in IPR or Registered Patent Agent (India). • Experience: Minimum 8 years in IPR, preferably in the chemical, pharma, or HPC industry. Required work experience: Minimum 8 years Required Skills: • Strong understanding of patent law and IP prosecution. • Experience with patent databases (e.g., Patseer, SciFInder). • Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills. • Familiarity with regulatory frameworks in the FMCG/HPC sector.