VP - Intellectual Property (IP)

Key Responsibilities

IP Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive global IP strategy aligned with business and innovation goals.
• Advise executive leadership and the Board on IP risks, opportunities, and competitive positioning.
• Identify opportunities to create competitive advantage through strategic IP portfolio development.
• Lead long-term IP planning in support of product pipelines and emerging technologies.

Portfolio Management

• Oversee the development, prosecution, maintenance, and optimization of global patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret portfolios.
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews to ensure alignment with business objectives and cost efficiency.
• Manage invention disclosure processes and collaborate with R&D to capture innovation.
• Evaluate IP acquisition and divestiture opportunities.

IP Protection & Enforcement

• Develop and oversee global IP enforcement strategies, including litigation, opposition proceedings, and dispute resolution.
• Manage outside counsel and coordinate litigation strategy.
• Assess and mitigate infringement risks and freedom-to-operate concerns.
• Lead IP due diligence activities for mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and investments.

IP Monetization & Commercialization

• Identify and execute licensing, cross-licensing, and strategic partnership opportunities.
• Structure and negotiate complex IP agreements.
• Develop revenue-generating strategies leveraging the company’s IP assets.
• Support valuation of IP assets for financial and strategic purposes.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Establish policies and procedures for IP governance and protection.
• Ensure compliance with global IP laws and regulations.
• Oversee competitive intelligence and monitor third-party IP landscapes.
• Manage internal training programs on IP awareness and protection.

Team & Budget Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing global IP team.
• Manage departmental budgets and external legal spend.
• Establish KPIs to measure portfolio strength, enforcement outcomes, and ROI.

Qualifications

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) required.
• Admission to at least one state bar in good standing.
• USPTO registration (preferred for patent-focused organizations).
• Advanced technical degree (preferred for technology-driven industries).

Experience

• 12+ years of progressive experience in intellectual property law, including significant in-house leadership experience.
• Proven track record of building and managing global IP portfolios.
• Demonstrated experience in IP litigation, licensing, and strategic transactions.
• Experience supporting M&A due diligence and integration activities.
• Executive-level leadership experience with direct reports.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Executive presence and influence
• Strong negotiation and litigation management skills
• Deep understanding of global IP laws and regulatory environments
• Financial literacy related to IP valuation and budgeting
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management