Description:

Our Opening and Your Responsibilities
A Multinational Supplier of Precision Instruments and Services is seeking to hire an IP Counsel for our Columbus, Ohio location. As an IP Counsel you will join our global in-house IP team, reporting to the Head of Global IP and collaborating with colleagues in Switzerland, India, and China. In this role, you will manage the end-to-end patent process, from prior art searches to prosecution and portfolio management. You will work with engineers and product managers to protect innovations, ensure freedom to operate, and strengthen our competitive advantage.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Ensure our new products have freedom to operate.
Manage the patent application process for assigned business units from initial disclosure through grant
Deliver cross-functional patent support across multiple business units, proactively managing and prioritizing diverse intellectual property responsibilities based on project stage and strategic milestones.
With the support of our search team, conduct comprehensive analyses of the patent landscape to identify potential barriers and opportunities.
Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications across various jurisdictions in collaboration with external law firms.
Collaborate closely with inventors and product teams to identify and evaluate patentable inventions.
Draft and revise patent claims and support documentation for patent applications.
Ensure compliance with all relevant patent laws and regulations throughout the application process.
Monitor and manage deadlines for patent filings and office actions.
Assist in developing and implementing patent strategies that align with business objectives
Provide training and guidance to stakeholders to enhance understanding of patent processes, and intellectual property rights.
Other duties may be assigned.

What You Need to Succeed:

Master's degree in a relevant technical field such as engineering, natural sciences, or life sciences.
Registered Patent Agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Minimum of 3 years of experience in patent prosecution, preferably in-house or in a law firm setting.
Familiarity with international patent systems, including PCT filings.
Strong understanding of patent law and intellectual property management.
Highly organized with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
Collaborate with a diverse international team to foster a culture of open communication and mutual respect.
Up to 25% travel is required, primarily to US-based R&D sites, mainly in California, and to Switzerland to collaborate with our global legal and IP team. Travel will typically range from local to intercontinental destinations.