Job description
NovaTech Innovations is seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to join our fast-paced legal team. This role will lead strategic IP initiatives across software, hardware, and cloud technologies, manage patent portfolios, and collaborate with product and engineering teams.
As a key member of our legal function, you will shape the company's IP strategy, ensure protection of our innovations, and support business objectives with practical, business-minded advice.
We recruit ambitious legal professionals who thrive in a collaborative, high-growth environment and are passionate about cutting-edge technology.
Responsibility
- Lead development and execution of the company's IP strategy, including patent, trademark, and trade secret protection across software, hardware, and cloud offerings.
- Oversee patent prosecution, claim construction, and enforcement; manage outside counsel and IP budget while maintaining high-quality work product.
- Provide actionable counsel on freedom-to-operate, patentability analyses, IP risk assessment, and due diligence for partnerships and M&A.
- Collaborate with product, engineering, and business teams to identify IP opportunities and mitigate risk in product roadmaps.
- Manage portfolio health metrics, reporting, and budgeting; monitor competitor activity and industry trends.
- Lead licensing negotiations, technology transfers, and collaboration agreements; advise on open source compliance and licensing strategies.
- Mentor and supervise junior IP attorneys and paralegals; deliver training on patent drafting, IP strategy, and best practices.
- Ensure global IP compliance and alignment with company policies, governance, and regulatory requirements.
Qualification
- Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school and active bar admission in California (or eligible for admission).
- Minimum 6 years of experience in IP law with a focus on patents in software, hardware, and/or AI-enabled technologies.
- Strong track record in patent prosecution before the USPTO and international patent offices; experience with PCT and national phase filings.
- Deep understanding of software licensing, open source compliance, and IP due diligence for partnerships and M&A.
- Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication skills; ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
- Leadership experience supervising a small IP team or function; ability to mentor and develop junior talent.
- Proactive problem solver with strong analytical skills and a business-minded approach to risk management.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, cross-functional collaboration, and manage multiple projects with competing priorities.