Lead Counsel, IP

About the role

The Zipline Legal Team is seeking an experienced counsel to lead our global IP portfolio initiatives, including patent and other intellectual property matters related to our business. This role involves setting and executing the strategic direction of our IP portfolio, working closely with cross-functional stakeholders, and providing direct client counseling on IP issues.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute the strategic direction and management of our global IP portfolio while managing outside counsel as strategically appropriate.
• Own the strategy that will determine where Zipline invests in patents by becoming an expert on the patent landscape, ultimately accelerating Zipline’s lead in autonomous scaled flight.
• Be hands on where it counts, whether it is the details of a claimset, holding external counsel to incredibly high standards for drafting, or going deep to understand how a part of our system works to arrive at the right strategic decision for the portfolio.
• Work closely with our product and engineering teams, including training them on patentability and regularly meeting to understand what IP Zipline is developing on all fronts.
• Create scalable processes internally and externally with outside counsel to build, maintain and protect our IP portfolio.
• Provide direct client counseling on IP issues arising from product development.
• Develop and maintain internal IP policies and programs.

Requirements

• You have been involved in every stage of the patent lifecycle from the strategy that determines what will be patented, claims architecture, prosecution, freedom to operate negotiations and IP litigation.
• You will use this knowledge to ensure that the early static decisions you make anticipate the future lifecycle of our IP to create long-term strategic value.
• As part of a small team supporting a rapidly growing organization, the ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment in handling complex work and thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
• You have experience with the IP aspects of commercial deals.
• You have confidence to work independently and judgment to recognize when issues require escalation or input from others.
• You are a proactive and pragmatic problem solver - seeing risks and potential issues before they arise and proposing effective solutions.
• You have a positive attitude and the willingness to collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders.
• You have at least 10+ years of combined IP experience at innovative technology companies and law firms.
• A JD Degree is required.
• You must be eligible to work in the United States.