IP Assistant Counsel
Role Summary
Advance Corning's IP position in optical connectivity by delivering high-quality patent portfolio development and management, IP risk assessments, and IP-related counseling on non-disclosure agreements, trade secrets, and related information protection matters, leveraging AI-enabled tools to drive efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement in how IP work is performed.
Key Accountabilities
Partners with the business to develop and execute IP strategies aligned with commercial and technical objectives, and to conduct IP education and awareness training with different groups within the organization.
Integrates self with R&D teams to identify and capture patentable innovations.
Manages global patent portfolios from invention disclosure through patent preparation, prosecution, and maintenance, including supervision of US and foreign outside counsel.
Performs IP risk assessment studies relating new product plans, technology strategies, and business activities, including delivering legal opinions regarding infringement and validity when appropriate.
Maintains awareness of the competitive IP landscape and collaborates with business teams to identify relevant third-party IP activity and to develop appropriate strategy decisions in response to such third-party IP.
Reviews, drafts, and negotiates non-disclosure agreements in support of business objectives, and counsels business clients on information protection, disclosure boundaries, and confidentiality obligations.
Documents and shares best practices, contributing to a culture of continuous workflow improvement.
Supports patent assertion, challenges, and litigation efforts (as needed).
Participates in M&A due diligence activities (as needed).
Supports and contributes to transactional matters, including license, joint-development, sponsored research, material transfer, and other IP-related agreements, with the expectation of growing into a more independent role in this area over time.
Required Education, Skills, and Experience
JD degree and member in good standing of a state Bar and registered to practice before the USPTO.
BS and/or advanced degree in Physics, Optics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or Electrical Engineering preferred. Other technical backgrounds that correspond well with optical fiber and/or connectivity-based technologies will be considered.
Very good written and verbal communication skills; professional maturity and presence to effectively lead meetings and engage confidently with senior leaders, experienced engineers, and business stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple simultaneous projects.
4+ years of experience in an engineering or technical role in industry, preferably in optics, telecommunications, or related fields. In-house IP counsel experience will be considered as an alternative.
3+ years of experience as a practicing attorney, including patent preparation and prosecution (law firm experience for this experience preferred).
Experience performing risk analyses related to patent scope, infringement, or validity.
Experience reviewing, drafting, or negotiating NDAs or similar commercial agreements.
Preference given to candidates with experience evaluating, implementing, or training others on new workflows or tools in a professional setting.
Preferred Experience
Demonstrated track record of practical AI usage in a professional context. Able to show concrete examples of workflows designed, improved, or executed using AI tools—not simply familiarity, but evidence of sustained, purposeful use that produced measurable improvement in work quality, speed, or both.