Patent Counsel

The NVIDIA Legal Department is seeking a Patent Counsel to join our team. This role involves protecting NVIDIA's technology investments through patent protection, collaborating with other legal departments, and developing the company's patent portfolio.

About the role

The Patent Counsel will play a crucial part in ensuring NVIDIA's technology is protected by actively participating in the patent process. They will provide guidance and training to internal clients on patent filing and acquisition, and instruct and direct outside counsel on patent application drafting, filing, and prosecution.

Responsibilities

• Ensure NVIDIA's technology investments are protected by actively participating in the process of obtaining patent protection.
• Provide outreach and training, education, and counsel to internal clients on patent filing and acquisition, and freedom of action.
• Instruct and direct Outside Counsel on patent application drafting, filing, and prosecution (domestic and foreign) to ensure compliance with NVIDIA guidelines and local laws.
• Make strategic decisions to develop our patent portfolio to proactively meet emerging trends and address changing demands.
• Partner with other members of the Legal Department on assorted intellectual property related matters, such as assertions, patent portfolio valuation and assessment during transactions and corporate mergers and acquisitions.
• Develop subject matter expertise and drive team client counseling, invention harvesting, and evaluation for specific IP-active areas.
• Participate in and provide counsel for NVIDIA contributions to Standards Setting Organizations, University Collaborations, Industry Workgroups, and Technology Conferences.
• Collaborate on development and deployment of Patent Department policies, practices, and tools.

Requirements

• A technical undergraduate degree (or equivalent experience), preferably a CE or Computer Science degree.
• 6+ years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution.
• A J.D. degree with a record of strong academic performance and a license to practice law in California.
• Registration to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills: written and verbal, organizational abilities, and attested attention to detail.
• Ability to navigate and break down complex legal issues into actionable advice covering a broad range of interdependent issues, balance risk with business need, and ask tough questions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous in-house experience in a high-tech industry with portfolio management and technology licensing.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications to issuance in: generative and applied artificial intelligence frameworks and deep learning model architectures, software engineering, chip or circuit design, advanced computing and networking technologies, and autonomous robotics and vehicles.
• A passion for innovation, technology, strategic thinking, and continuous learning.
• Strong understanding of open source software and database licenses.
• Foreign filing experience.

Benefits

NVIDIA offers competitive compensation, including a base salary range of $192,000 - $304,750, along with equity and benefits. Applications for this position are open until May 12, 2026.