Hermine Brunnauer
About Hermine Brunnauer
Hermine Brunnauer serves as the Director a.i. of Patent Administration at the European Patent Office, where she has worked since 2016. With a background in the pharmaceutical industry and experience in conflict resolution, she has held various significant positions, including Head of Conflict Resolution and Medical Director at Novartis Consumer Health.
Work at European Patent Office
Hermine Brunnauer has held multiple significant roles at the European Patent Office (EPO) since 2013. She served as the Head of the Conflict Resolution unit for one year, focusing on informal conflict resolution processes. In 2014, she transitioned to the role of Human Resources Partner, where she has worked for ten years. Currently, she holds the position of Director a.i. Patent Administration, a role she has maintained since 2016. In this capacity, she manages a team of nine operational managers across various EPO locations, including Munich, The Hague, and Berlin. She has implemented a comprehensive conflict resolution system at the EPO, which encompasses both amicable and formal resolution methods.
Education and Expertise
Hermine Brunnauer studied at Maximilians Universität München, where she pursued Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacology from 1979 to 1986. She achieved the Drittes Staatsexamen, Promotion und Approbation Dr. med. vet. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry and her roles at the EPO. Brunnauer's expertise includes conflict coaching and moderation, which she applies in her work related to conflict resolution at the EPO.
Background in Pharmaceutical Industry
Before joining the European Patent Office, Hermine Brunnauer worked in the pharmaceutical industry for thirteen years, holding significant positions at Novartis Consumer Health. During her tenure, she served as Medical Director, overseeing Drug Regulatory Affairs, Drug Safety, Clinical Research, and Medical Marketing. This experience has contributed to her understanding of the intersection between healthcare and patent administration.
Conflict Resolution Experience
Hermine Brunnauer has substantial experience in conflict resolution, having served as a first contact point for harassment allegations within formal procedures. She has developed and implemented a conflict resolution system at the EPO, which integrates both amicable and formal methods. Her background in conflict coaching and moderation enhances her ability to navigate complex interpersonal issues within the organization.
Leadership and Management Skills
In her current role at the European Patent Office, Hermine Brunnauer manages a team of nine operational managers across multiple sites. Her leadership skills are evident in her ability to oversee diverse teams and coordinate efforts across different locations, including Munich, The Hague, and Berlin. Her extensive experience in various EPO roles, including substantive examination and HR project management, further supports her effective management capabilities.