Intellectual Property Associate - Technical/Engineering Focus

A law firm seeks a highly motivated associate with 2-4 years of experience to join its expanding Intellectual Property (IP) practice in Austin, TX. This position is ideal for someone with a background in patent law, particularly in technical or engineering fields, who is passionate about IP litigation and strategic portfolio management.

Duties:

• Patent Portfolio Management: Lead the development, filing, prosecution, and enforcement of patents across multiple jurisdictions for new technologies and innovations.
• Patent Analysis & Opinions: Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate (FTO), and validity assessments. Advise on patent risks and compliance strategies.
• IP Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Manage and resolve IP disputes, including patent infringement claims. Engage in negotiation, settlement, or litigation, collaborating with external counsel when necessary.
• Trademark & Trade Secret Protection: Oversee trademark and trade secret protection efforts, including filing, prosecution, and enforcement actions.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with R&D, engineering, and product teams to identify inventions that need IP protection. Guide product development cycles.
• Licensing & Agreements: Draft and negotiate licensing agreements, joint venture contracts, and other IP-related commercial agreements.
• Legal Counsel & Training: Provide ongoing legal advice on IP matters to senior management. Conduct training sessions to raise awareness and understanding of IP issues across the organization.
• Regulatory Compliance & Strategy: Stay updated on changes to IP laws and regulations, and develop strategies to align IP portfolios with business goals.

Requirements:

• 2-4 years of experience practicing intellectual property law, specifically in patent law, with a focus on technical or engineering disciplines.
• Experience in patent prosecution and drafting patent applications, particularly in fields like Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent.
• Strong advocacy skills, with the ability to manage complex IP disputes.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in collaborative environments.
• Strong academic credentials.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• A bachelor’s or higher degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical fields is preferred.

Certifications:

• Admission to the State Bar of Texas (or eligibility to become licensed in Texas).

Skills:

• Expertise in patent law and experience with the IP lifecycle, including filing, prosecution, and litigation.
• Knowledge of trademark law and trade secret protection.
• Familiarity with IP regulations and the ability to develop strategic compliance plans.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communicator, both written and oral, with the ability to provide clear, actionable legal advice.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Robust mental health and well-being benefits.
• Child, family, elder, and pet care assistance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off through a flexible time-off program, with additional parental leave benefits.
• Paid holidays.