Vice President, Patent Litigation & Strategy

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead strategy for offensive and defensive patent litigation matters in coordination with internal stakeholders and outside counsel
• Manage all aspects of patent disputes, including pre-suit negotiations, discovery oversight, expert development, motion practice, trial preparation, and, if applicable, settlement negotiations
• Manage responses to infringement allegations, including risk analysis, non-infringement and invalidity strategies, and business mitigation plans
• Led complex patent-related licensing negotiations and dispute-driven, if applicable
• Provide IP diligence and strategic input in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and investments
• Develop monetization strategies for patent assets, including licensing programs
• Advises on patent-related provisions, indemnities, and risk allocation in commercial agreements
• Develop and implement a comprehensive patent strategy aligned with the company’s business objectives and technology roadmap
• Manage and optimize the company’s patent portfolio to ensure cost efficiency and strategic value
• Formalize processes for harvesting with engineering, R&D, and product teams
• Direct all aspects of domestic and international patent prosecution, including oversight of outside counsel and foreign associates
• Review and approve patent applications, office action responses, appeals, and related filings
• Develop strategies for navigating complex prosecution issues, including subject matter eligibility, prior art challenges, and patent office proceedings
• Manage post-grant proceedings, including inter partes reviews (IPR), oppositions, reexaminations, and similar actions globally

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
• 10+ years of patent litigation and/or complex patent licensing matters
• Significant experience managing high-stakes patent disputes, including strategic decision-making regarding trial, settlement, and pre-litigation resolution
• Deep experience as first or second chair in complex patent litigation matters at a major law firm or significant in-house experience at a technology-driven company with patent litigation, licensing, and portfolio management programs
• High ethical standards and professionalism
• Strong initiative and a self-starter attitude
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to travel as required for business meetings, conferences, site visits, and other professional obligations, both domestically and internationally

Nice to Have but Not a Dealbreaker

• USPTO registration
• Prior in-house experience at a leading technology company