Senior IP Attorney

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Attorney to join our global IP practice. In this role, you will collaborate with technology and business leaders to develop and execute IP strategies and provide guidance regarding cross-functional IP issues that arise.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with technology, business and legal colleagues to formulate and execute IP strategies that include pursuing patents and trademarks and ensuring protection of trade secrets and other confidential information.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to identify patentable inventions and prepare patent applications.
• Manage the filing and prosecution of U.S. patent applications while overseeing international patent firms in their filings and prosecutions.
• Work with IP leadership and client organizations to determine when freedom-to-operate assessments are necessary in both the patent and trademark space, conducting these assessments with a focus on infringement and validity, and supervising the preparation of legal opinions and/or validity challenges by external counsel where warranted.
• Serve as Trademark counsel for the North American Region. Partner with businesses, branding and marketing organizations as well as OUS in-house Trademark counsel to develop and execute US branding strategies.
• Filer and prosecute Trademark applications in the US.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements and advise on IP provisions in commercial contracts, licenses and other agreements.
• Provide comprehensive and informed counseling on IP issues to stakeholders across technology, manufacturing, and business functions, including guidance on patent versus trade secret decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline from an accredited institution (Chemistry or Chemical Engineering preferred, with Ph.D. in chemistry highly preferred).
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 5 years as a Patent and IP attorney, with a focus on chemistry or chemical engineering. Candidates with 8+ years of experience are preferred. This experience should include:
• Inhouse experience is preferred
• Patent preparation and prosecution, including oversight of international counsel.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements addressing significant IP issues.
• Providing legal advice on patent, trade secret, and related matters.
• Identifying potential issues, assessing risks, and offering strategic counsel.
• Experience with trademark law or an aptitude and willingness to train and become proficient in trademark law.
• Registration as a Patent Attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Membership in a State Bar with the ability to waive into the Tennessee Bar.
• A strong interest in and commitment to continuous learning about technological advancements and business strategies.
• A collaborative and communicative mindset, with a strong ability to work across teams and functions.
• Leadership experience is a plus.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating IP agreements and related clauses is a plus.
• Experience overseeing administrative and court proceedings related to patent and/or trademark matters, both defending Eastman patents and managing challenges filed by others is a plus.

Location

This position is based at Eastman’s corporate headquarters in Kingsport, TN, though remote arrangements may be considered.

Notice

Eastman will not accept applicants for this offered position who require visa sponsorship, including those whose status is F-1 visa OPT who subsequently would require ongoing visa sponsorship.

Benefits

Your total rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. When you join Eastman, you gain access to an exceptional suite of programs designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and fuel your career.

Compensation & Incentives

• Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage—paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.

• A robust menu of voluntary benefits—including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more—so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.

• Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.

Retirement & Financial Strategies

• 401(k) with a company match—plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.

Time Away

• Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life’s moments.

Growth & Development

• Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.

Notice

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Notice

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully engaged workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

Nearest Major Market

Asheville

Nearest Secondary Market

Knoxville