Senior IP Attorney

ASML is a world leader in the manufacture of advanced technology systems for the semiconductor industry, with over 40,000 people in more than 80 locations worldwide. The Corporate Intellectual Property (CIP) department maximizes ASML’s global IP position to protect and support the business, preserving freedom to operate and maintaining a portfolio of IP rights. This position is based in San Jose, CA and reports to the local Head of IP.

About the role

The Patent Attorney will partner with business units, engineers, and cross-functional teams to provide patent law functions in computational lithography, metrology, and inspection. Responsibilities include evaluating and protecting company innovations, mitigating IP risk globally, and contributing to ASML’s IP strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a global patent portfolio, including assessing invention disclosures, conducting inventor interviews, and recommending strategic portfolio maintenance.
• Manage outside counsel to prepare and prosecute high-quality patent applications, draft petitions, appeals, and other non-routine papers to gain allowance/issuance.
• Contribute to ASML IP strategies, including patent filing and product clearance.
• Evaluate third-party IP positioning for risk assessment, freedom-to-operate analysis, and mitigation strategies.
• Work with engineering and business stakeholders to align the patent portfolio with ASML’s business goals and identify IP protection opportunities.
• Provide guidance on intellectual property matters to business teams and conduct periodic IP training for employees.
• Assist with advising, structuring, or negotiating inbound/outbound patent licenses as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned and work extended hours to meet project deadlines.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required (approximately 10%).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or physical sciences (e.g., electrical, mechanical, systems and controls science, physics, materials, or optics). Advanced degree in physics with optics experience is a plus.
• 3+ years of relevant patent experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications, rendering patentability opinions, and conducting risk analysis.
• Licensed to practice before the United States Patent Office.
• Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. state or the District of Columbia (California preferred).
• Experience with physics, optics, electron optics, and/or semiconductor processing strongly preferred.
• Prior in-house experience, including interaction with engineers and senior management, is preferred.
• Experience planning and directing administrative staff in support of IP objectives.
• Strong technical knowledge and proficiency with MS Office, IP databases, and online research tools.
• Excellent English communication skills for complex legal and technical matters.

Skills

• Ability to work independently with minimal direction and take on challenging assignments.
• Strong professional drive, decisiveness, and self-initiative.
• Collaborative mindset for working with diverse teams across multiple countries.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong judgment and critical thinking to align responsibilities with business objectives.
• Client service ethics and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to conduct detailed technical analysis while maintaining a strategic view.
• Competency with tools, systems, and procedures required for the role.
• Team-oriented approach.

Pay

The base annual salary range for this role is $160,125–$240,188. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and market data. Individual pay is assessed based on skills, experience, certifications, and alignment with team compensation.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• 401k retirement plan participation.
• Eight hours of vacation leave every month and 13 paid holidays per year.
• Flexible workplace arrangement (up to two days remote per week for eligible roles).

Schedule

This is an on-site position in San Jose, CA, requiring in-person attendance for meetings, trainings, and collaboration. Some domestic and international travel (approximately 10%) is required.

Work Environment

The role involves routine sitting, walking, talking, hearing, and use of hands for typing and handling. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required. Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.