Job description
NovaTech Innovations is seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to join our in-house legal team in San Francisco. You will lead the development and execution of our global IP strategy, ensuring robust protection for our innovative technology stack and products.
As a strategic cultural leader, you will partner with R&D, product, and business teams to translate technical breakthroughs into defensible IP programs while mitigating risk and optimizing value.
Responsibility
- Lead the development and execution of global IP strategy, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.
- Oversee patent portfolio management: drafting, filing, prosecution, due diligence, and maintenance across jurisdictions.
- Collaborate with R&D and product teams to identify patentable inventions and monitor freedom-to-operate.
- Manage relationships with external IP counsel, budgets, and performance metrics.
- Negotiate and structure IP licenses, collaborations, and cross-licensing arrangements with partners and vendors.
- Provide training and guidance to cross-functional teams on IP best practices and infringement risk mitigation.
- Lead IP litigation support coordination and oversee internal investigations related to IP issues.
Qualification
- Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school and current bar admission; registered USPTO Patent Attorney preferred.
- Minimum 8 years in intellectual property practice, with substantial patent prosecution experience in technology sectors.
- Proven track record building and managing a multinational patent portfolio and IP strategy.
- Strong drafting, analytical, and negotiation skills; ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience with licensing, collaboration agreements, and due diligence for M&A or partnerships.
- Familiarity with global IP regimes (USPTO, EPO, JPO, etc.) and compliance requirements; ability to lead cross-border initiatives.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills; team-oriented with a business-minded approach.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced tech environment and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.