Description:
Job Description:Senior Counsel – Global Patents & Innovation at a glance….
This position is part of Kraft Heinz's Legal Department and provides legal counsel to the R&D organization to ensure current and future innovations are appropriately protected. This position reports to Kraft Heinz's Chief Counsel, Global Patents & Innovation, and is expected to bring expertise in patent preparation and prosecution, freedom‑to‑operate analysis, intellectual property protection strategy, trade secrets, and R&D agreements.
This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days onsite weekly out of 1 of 4 primary locations (See below):
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Recipe for Success – apply now if this sounds like you!
This position is part of Kraft Heinz's Legal Department and provides legal counsel to the R&D organization to ensure current and future innovations are appropriately protected. This position reports to Kraft Heinz's Chief Counsel, Global Patents & Innovation, and is expected to bring expertise in patent preparation and prosecution, freedom‑to‑operate analysis, intellectual property protection strategy, trade secrets, and R&D agreements.
This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days onsite weekly out of 1 of 4 primary locations (See below):
- World HQ in downtown Chicago, IL (Preferred)
- R&D Center in Glenview, IL
- Kraft Heinz Innovation Center - Warrendale, PA
- Co-HQ in downtown Pittsburgh, PA
- Serve as the primary legal resource for designated business units and technology areas within R&D.
- Draft, review, and negotiate R&D-related agreements, including non-disclosure, material transfer, joint development, and license agreements.
- Advise on the appropriate structure and use of R&D agreements to protect IP ownership, exclusivity, and trade secrets.
- Advise R&D on intellectual property protection strategies, including patent preparation, prosecution decisions, portfolio development, and risk assessment.
- Drive strategic patent filing decisions aligned with innovation roadmaps and business priorities.
- Conduct and advise on freedom‑to‑operate reviews for new technologies and products entering the market.
- Develop and deliver intellectual property–related training for R&D and other internal stakeholders.
- Manage and oversee outside counsel to ensure quality and cost‑effective legal support.
- Support compliance with company policies related to signatory authority, ethics, and trade secret protection.
- Occasional travel may be required.
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials and specialized patent experience.
- Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Science or technology background in chemistry, biology, engineering, or a related field.
- 8+ years of legal experience with in-house experience strongly preferred.
- Significant experience drafting and negotiating R&D agreements and advising on their appropriate use.
- Experience preparing and prosecuting chemical and packaging‑related patent applications.
- Experience advising R&D on patent prosecution strategy, risks, and portfolio development.
- Experience conducting freedom‑to‑operate analyses and assessing third‑party patent risk.
- Ability to work independently, assess risk, and deliver practical, business‑focused solutions.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Positive, collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
- Demonstrated ability to manage outside counsel effectively.
