Patent Counsel

About the role

This position will be responsible for implementing the legal strategy and providing legal advice to ensure that Whirlpool’s current and future innovations are protected. The Patent Counsel role is expected to bring leadership and expertise in the areas of patents, trade secrets, and innovation protection to Whirlpool’s business units, the law department, and in administrative and judicial proceedings. The role will help ensure Whirlpool’s unique and compelling innovations are a core driver of the company’s success in product leadership and improving life at home.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute intellectual property protection strategies related to assigned Whirlpool innovation and technology areas
• Advise on patent strategy and manage the filing, prosecution, and maintenance of Whirlpool’s global patent portfolio
• Negotiate intellectual property-related contracts, including M&A, confidentiality, development, and license agreements, and assist in negotiation of more general commercial agreements, including procurement and service agreements
• Investigate and pursue opportunities to enforce Whirlpool’s intellectual property and monetize its intellectual property assets
• Establish product clearance plans and review and advise on freedom-to-operate risks
• Provide intellectual property advice and training to engineering and business teams
• Develop and improve processes and systems that enable the patent function within the law department to efficiently deliver a sophisticated intellectual property strategy

Requirements

• JD from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials and bar admission
• Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years of legal experience as an attorney in the field of intellectual property, including patents

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a math, physics, engineering, or other technology-focused field
• Ability to prioritize and manage a large volume of concurrent projects
• Strong analytical, organization, communication, and project management skills
• Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Benefits

• Generous benefits package
• Whirlpool employee discount
• Fitness and educational reimbursement programs
• Kitchenettes
• Beautiful, recently renovated office space
• Barista bar
• Biking/walking trails
• Access to The Eddy – Early Childhood Center (depending on availability; additional costs may apply)

Additional Considerations

• Always On Flexibility: Autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed
• Two-Week Work from Anywhere: Minimum one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year
• Sabbatical: Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service