Description:
A Consumer Healthcare Products Company is recruiting for an Assistant General Counsel – Patents, Group Leader Vision to support the Vision business of A Consumer Healthcare Products Company. The position will report to the Global Patent Lead – J&J MedTech and can be based in Jackson, FL, Irvine, CA, New Brunswick, NJ, or at another major A Consumer Healthcare Products Company site.Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a team of patent attorneys and professionals supporting the Vision business.
- Drive high performance and meaningful professional development for team members in alignment with J&J's performance philosophy.
- Assess patent resource needs and lead recruitment and onboarding of new team members.
- Provide comprehensive patent support, including:
- Patent preparation and prosecution
- Freedom-to-operate analyses (e.g., infringement and validity)
- Strategic client counseling
- Draft and negotiate complex agreements, including licensing and research collaborations.
- Support business development through due diligence activities.
- Develop deep knowledge of Vision technologies, commercial models, competitive strategies, and the patent landscape.
- Support U.S. and international litigation, including enforcement of patent rights.
- Manage relationships with external counsel and partners.
- Deliver presentations and training to senior business partners on IP, contracts, and due diligence.
- Collaborate closely with R&D and commercial leaders to influence strategic decisions.
- Mentor and guide other patent professionals within the IP department.
- Work cross-functionally with non-patent legal team members to deliver integrated legal advice.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Undergraduate or advanced degree in engineering or science
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
- Admitted to the USPTO and licensed to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
Experience:
- Minimum 15 years in a law firm and/or corporate patent department
- People leadership experience preferred
- Strong expertise in patent law, including strategy, portfolio management, and competitive analysis
- Independent experience in patent prosecution and freedom-to-operate studies
- Due diligence experience required
- Background in Vision care or medical device technologies required
Skills:
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- High emotional intelligence and a collaborative, positive attitude
- Ability to thrive in a matrixed, fast-paced business environment
