Job Description

EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT

Patent Substantive Search Examiners x 25

Job Grade: P8

Ref No.: P010001/20

Location: Pretoria

Job Type: Permanent

Job Purpose

To perform various functions related to substantive search and examination of patent and utility model applications.
A Patent Substantive Search Examiner is responsible for performing functions within the scope of the substantive search and examination of an application for a patent or utility model. This entails performing patent searches to determine relevant prior art for an invention claimed in a patent or utility model application. Examining patent or utility model applications to determine whether the relevant invention meets the requirements for grant and to provide a detailed opinion thereon. Searching and/or examining and responding to arguments and/or amendments and/or corrections filed as a consequence of the issued opinion. Conducting proceedings and/or informal meetings with applicants or their representatives and any other task as provided for in terms of the relevant legislation.

Competencies:

+ Can demonstrate knowledge in own technical area.
+ Able to use judgment, problem solve and appropriately take decisions in own area of expertise.
+ Able to manage quality of own work to the highest standards.
+ Able to identify general potential issues and problems, is aware of the correct person to raise these with and can notify him / her appropriately

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Key performance areas

+ To contribute towards the objectives of the examination division.
+ To perform patent searches to establish state of- the- art, novelty, inventive step, infringement, eligibility or patentability of inventions.
+ Perform preliminary examination based on the search results.
+ To provide opinion on patentability.
+ To provide search reports and preliminary examination reports.
+ To receive and resolve customer queries.
+ To correspond with applicants concerning their applications.
+ To report on performance and to identify and escalate performance constraints.
+ To perform functions related to the functions of the examination division on request by the division head.
+ To perform peer review of other examiner's works in accordance with the applicable checklist.
+ To communicate the outcomes of the search and or examination to the applicant.
+ To grant/refuse applications that meet/do not meet the requirements for grant for a patent or a utility model.
+ Conduct proceedings relating to substantive search and examination.
+ Any other task as provided for in terms of the relevant legislation.
Applicants may, as a step in the recruitment process, be subjected to competency assessment. In addition, the successful candidate must be prepared to undergo a process of security clearance prior to appointment.





Qualifications and SA citizenship checks will be conducted on the successful candidate. It is the applicant's responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).



It will be expected of candidates to be available for selection interviews on a date, time and place as determined by CIPC.



CIPC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference will be given to candidates whose appointment will enhance representation in accordance with the approved employment equity plan.



Feedback will only be given to shortlisted candidates.



CIPC reserves the right not to fill an advertised position.



For further details regarding these positions please click on the link: https://cipc.mcidirecthire.com/Internal/CurrentOpportunities or visit the CIPC website at www.cipc.co.za

Kindly note that faxed, emailed, posted and or hand delivered applications will not be considered.

Should you experience any difficulty in applying please contact the CIPC Recruitment Office by dialing : 087 743 7074, 7075 or 087 260 1554



Closing date: 18

February 2025

Required Minimum Education / Training

B. Degree in Science or Engineering in the following fields: Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biochemistry / Mining / Mechanical / Electrical / Civil / Metallurgy / ICT / Physics / Pharmacy / Thermodynamics / Nanomaterial / Global Change / Petroleum / Molecular and Cell Biology / Proteomics / Genetics / Agricultural Sciences / Robotics / Electric Vehicle Technology / AI technology / Electrochemistry / Mathematics. Post Graduate Qualifications, i.e. Honours / Master or PhD qualifications will be advantageous

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Required Minimum Experience

At least three years' experience in the relevant technical industry or R&D Institution will be advantageous. Completion of Group 1 PEB Examinations as an added advantage. * A minimum of 3 years relevant working experience and training in substantive search and examination of patents or the prosecution thereof as an added advantage

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