Senior Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property

The role

This person will own the patent portfolio strategy and build metrics to inform global decisions. They will work with R&D to identify inventions and manage patent prosecution, litigation, and general legal matters.

What you will do

• Build metrics and criteria to determine patent portfolio value
• Set global patent strategy across the U.S. and internationally
• Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications with the USPTO, EPO, and CNIPA
• Run freedom-to-operate analyses, patentability assessments, and portfolio risk reviews
• Partner with R&D to identify patentable inventions
• Manage outside counsel for prosecution, opinions, and disputes
• Support IP litigation, opposition proceedings, and enforcement
• Support manufacturing, vendor, supplier, and strategic commercial contracts
• Handle generalist legal matters including trade compliance and litigation support

Required qualifications

• J.D. and admission to at least one state bar
• Registration to practice before the USPTO (patent bar)
• Undergraduate degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field
• Deep expertise in U.S. patent law
• Working knowledge of major international patent systems
• Experience with trademark and trade secret law
• Track record in patent drafting, prosecution, and portfolio management
• At least 3 years at a top-tier law firm focused on patent work
• Ability to work independently in a fast-moving, global company

Nice to have

• In-house legal experience at a hardware or hard-tech company
• Experience with Chinese manufacturing operations
• Experience with matters before the EPO and CNIPA
• Experience with global copyright law, commercial transactions, and licensing agreements

Benefits

• Robust equity program with RSUs
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 401K matching and access to financial advisors
• Generous paid Parental Leave (up to 16 weeks)
• Tenure-based paid Sabbatical Leave (up to 6 weeks)
• Flexible Out of Office Plan
• Ample on-site parking & pre-tax commuter benefits
• Healthy on-site lunches, snacks, beverages, & treats
• Regular sponsored professional development opportunities
• Many opt-in culture events
• Unlimited 3D prints

About the company

Formlabs builds 3D printing technology used by industry leaders to design, prototype, and manufacture products. The team consists of builders, engineers, and innovators.