Job description
NovaTech Innovations is seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to lead our global IP strategy in a fast-paced technology environment. This in-house role combines legal acumen with deep technical insight to protect and monetize our innovations across software, hardware, and AI platforms.
Based in San Jose, you will partner with product, engineering, and business teams to safeguard our competitive edge while enabling collaboration and responsible risk-taking. You will oversee patent, trademark, and trade secret programs, manage outside counsel, and drive strategic initiatives that align with company goals.
We offer a dynamic, high-growth environment, competitive compensation, and a culture that values legal excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Responsibility
- Lead the development and execution of global IP strategy across patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets to protect core products and platforms.
- Manage patent prosecution, examine office actions, and coordinate with outside counsel to build a robust, scalable portfolio.
- Provide actionable IP guidance to product, engineering, and marketing teams on freedom-to-operate, licensing, and risk mitigation.
- Draft and negotiate technology licenses, collaboration agreements, NDAs, and cross-license arrangements with partners and vendors.
- Conduct IP due diligence for partnerships, funding rounds, and potential acquisitions; lead post-closing integration of IP assets.
- Oversee IP-related diligence for product launches, mergers, and international expansion (PCT, EP, CN, JP filings).
- Develop and deliver IP training, playbooks, and awareness initiatives for cross-functional teams.
- Monitor competitor activity and patent landscapes to identify threats, opportunities, and strategic gaps.
Qualification
- Active California Bar license or equivalent, with USPTO admission; in-house or law firm experience handling complex IP matters in the tech sector.
- Minimum 6+ years of experience in intellectual property, including patent prosecution, portfolio management, and IP transactions.
- Strong technical foundation in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Proven ability to draft, negotiate, and close licensing and technology agreement deals; excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
- Extensive experience with global IP filings (USPTO, PCT, EP, CN, JP) and international IP law considerations.
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration, communication, and leadership skills; comfortable advising executives and engineers alike.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Mentoring experience for junior attorneys, paralegals, and cross-disciplinary teams.