Graduated in Chemistry from the State University of Milan, Natale possesses extensive know-how in the field of materials, in particular cementitious materials, with equal knowledge of other technical fields such as photocatalysis, fluoropolymeric materials, ceramic materials and pharmaceuticals.

After a brief experience as a researcher at the Politecnico di Milano in the Chemistry-Physics department, Natale gained professional expertise in the field of industrial property in several leading companies, such as Montedison, Lepetit- Marion Merrel Dow and Italcementi.

He currently has a cross-disciplinary knowledge of all areas of Intellectual Property, with a particular specialisation in patent invention management, from the document search to the genesis of the invention, up to the granting of the national and foreign patent and the eventual defence of the patent before a court, be it patent or civil.

His extensive experience also includes the organisation of the Industrial Property function – first in the Italcementi Group and then in the HeidelbergCement AG Group – as well as the management of the Trademarks sector and the development of technological know-how.

A qualified Italian patent attorney, he has managed portfolios of more than 250 patent families, from filing to granting, contributing to their economic exploitation. Further Natale’s strengths are the definition of patent licensing and secrecy agreements, the planning of research projects, and the management of relations with public bodies (universities) in the context of funding applications for national (MURST) and international (Horizon, Life etc) research projects.

With reference to the field of Technical Standards, Natale managed the function in Italcementi at the Italian (UNI) and European (CEN) level in the fields of Cement, Concrete, Aggregates, Additives and Photocatalysis, directly participating as Italian delegate in Italian and European standardisation meetings.