Job description
Join AcmeTech Labs, a leading innovator in AI-enabled hardware and software solutions. We are seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to steward our global IP program, manage patent and trademark portfolios, and partner with product, engineering, and business teams to mitigate risk and unlock strategic opportunities.
This full-time role offers a hybrid work model in San Francisco, CA (or remote within the United States with periodic on-site collaboration).
At AcmeTech, you’ll:
- Protect and grow a comprehensive IP portfolio spanning patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and licensing.
- Advise on patent strategy, prosecution priorities, and prior art analysis for fast-moving product cycles.
- Lead IP due diligence for partnerships, acquisitions, and new product launches.
- Draft and negotiate licensing, R&D, and collaboration agreements with external partners.
- Collaborate with Product, R&D, and Legal teams to assess IP risk and craft practical mitigations.
- Manage external counsel, budgets, and milestone-based reporting on IP matters.
- Build and mentor an internal IP program, including training for engineers and product teams on IP best practices.
- Monitor competitive IP activity and provide strategic guidance to executives on IP opportunities and threats.
Responsibility
- Develop and execute a global intellectual property strategy aligned with business goals.
- Oversee patent portfolio management, including filing, prosecution, and maintenance across key jurisdictions.
- Manage trademark strategy, clearance, registration, and enforcement to protect brand assets.
- Lead IP diligence in partnerships, licensing, and potential acquisitions.
- Draft and negotiate IP-centric agreements (licensing, co-development, NDAs, and collaboration terms).
- Collaborate with engineering and product teams to perform freedom-to-operate and risk assessments.
- Manage external IP counsel, budgets, and performance metrics.
- Provide training and awareness programs to reduce IP risk across the organization.
Qualification
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school; active bar admission in California or another US jurisdiction.
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in intellectual property law, with emphasis on patent prosecution, trademark, and licensing in the tech sector.
- Proven track record in managing patent portfolios, IP due diligence, and complex licensing agreements.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with ability to translate legal risks into business implications.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
- Experience managing external counsel and budgets; comfortable working in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
- Knowledge of AI/ML, software, semiconductors, or hardware domains preferred.
- Commitment to ethical practice and high professional standards.