Description:
Who we are:Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
What we offer:
Salary:
$212,000.00 - $291,500.00
Location:
Santa Clara,CA
You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.
Director, Intellectual Property Counsel
About the role:
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director, Intellectual Property Counsel to join our Legal & Compliance Organization. Reporting into the IP Legal team, this role serves as a trusted partner & advisor to product organizations, technical leadership, and senior executives.
The Director provides high‑impact legal counsel across patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and IP‑related matters, enabling innovation while protecting and strengthening the company's competitive position. This role emphasizes IP strategy, portfolio leadership, and cross‑functional partnership, working closely with internal commercial and transactional legal teams.
Key Responsibilities:
Skills and Attributes:
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience advising on or managing IP portfolios related to semiconductors and emerging technologies (e.g., photonics, optoelectronics, semiconductor‑adjacent technologies, quantum computing or communications).
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.
Director, Intellectual Property Counsel
About the role:
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director, Intellectual Property Counsel to join our Legal & Compliance Organization. Reporting into the IP Legal team, this role serves as a trusted partner & advisor to product organizations, technical leadership, and senior executives.
The Director provides high‑impact legal counsel across patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and IP‑related matters, enabling innovation while protecting and strengthening the company's competitive position. This role emphasizes IP strategy, portfolio leadership, and cross‑functional partnership, working closely with internal commercial and transactional legal teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic IP counsel to engineering, business, and executive stakeholders across patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and core IP matters (e.g., NDAs, JDAs, SRAs).
- Lead IP landscape analysis, freedom‑to‑operate evaluations, and risk assessments, and develop long‑term, sustainable IP strategies aligned with business and technology roadmaps.
- Oversee assigned business unit's global patent and trademark portfolios, including prosecution strategy, foreign filing decisions, portfolio optimization, and outside counsel management.
- Partner with legal colleagues across the organization to support IP portfolio development, protection, enforcement, and defensive strategies, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
- Implement IP protection programs, including training, internal processes, and best practices to safeguard proprietary technology.
- Drive continuous improvement of IP operations, policies, and processes to support global business needs.
Skills and Attributes:
- Strong intellectual rigor, judgment, and business acumen
- Ability to quickly understand complex technologies and translate business objectives into IP strategy
- Proven leadership, ownership mindset, and ability to operate independently
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills in a fast‑paced environment
- Collaborative, adaptable, and effective across functions, cultures, and geographies
Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Active U.S. state bar membership in good standing (California preferred, not required).
- Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Technical degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
- 10+ years of intellectual property legal experience in a law firm and/or in‑house setting, with demonstrated expertise in:
- U.S. and international patent portfolio development and management, including Asia.
- Providing strategic IP guidance for IP‑intensive agreements, in partnership with commercial or transactional teams.
- IP laws and practices in Asia, including China, Korea, and Taiwan.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience advising on or managing IP portfolios related to semiconductors and emerging technologies (e.g., photonics, optoelectronics, semiconductor‑adjacent technologies, quantum computing or communications).
