Director, Intellectual Property

Key responsibilities of the Director of IP include but are not limited to: 

• Driving the development and implementation of intellectual property interests and strategies in collaboration with senior leaders, engineers, and other teams, as well as ensuring that all IP-related activities are in conformance with the Company’s principles and values.  

• Demonstrates ability to translate key business and technology strategy into actionable steps to create and continuously strengthen the enterprise’s intellectual property position. 

• Managing a global patent and trademark portfolio based on a strategy developed with the General Counsel and internal business clients. 

• Providing IP legal guidance and direction to ensure management can make reasonable and informed decisions regarding legal operational risks.  

• Negotiating and advising on patent and trade secret aspects of intra group and third-party agreements, including licensing, confidentiality, and research and development agreements. 

• Advise Chamberlain on questions relating to patentability and infringement and freedom to operate.  

• Assisting in the management of outside counsel in the prosecution/defense of various IP legal issues worldwide. 

• Interpreting court decisions, conducting legal research, having knowledge of statutes and governmental regulations to provide legal advice on current and pending IP legal developments. 

• Conducting IP due diligence activities for in-licensing or acquisition projects.  

Qualifications & Skills 

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.  

• Admission to a State Bar of any jurisdiction in the United States and licensed to practice in Illinois (or admitted to the Illinois Bar within a reasonable time following the commencement of the position). 

• Admitted to practice before the USPTO. 

• BSc or higher degree in mechanical engineering preferred. 

• At least 8 years of relevant experience, ideally gained in both law firm and in-house environments. 

• Experience in preparation and prosecution of patents worldwide, patent litigation, and opposition proceedings. 

• Experience in conducting freedom to operate analysis and advising businesses on proposed activities. 

• Expertise in structuring and negotiating IP matters in commercial contracts and transactions. 

• Strong analytical, strategic vision, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. 

• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience navigating and presenting at all levels of organization, especially senior management, in a collaborative environment. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to persuade, communicate confidently, and both prepare and present clear and concise reports.  

• Rolls-up sleeves mentality. 

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.  

• Ability to be decisive while dealing with ambiguity and to take ownership of guidance.   

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while meeting various deadlines.