Overview
A global cybersecurity leader is seeking an AI-forward patent prosecution leader to guide the global intellectual property (IP) strategy for its cloud-native cybersecurity platform. This role reports to the VP of Legal and involves leading a team that collaborates closely with technical leaders to identify critical innovations, strengthen the global patent portfolio, oversee broader IP assets, and modernize IP operations through responsible AI use.
The primary focus is on building and protecting the global IP portfolio by identifying what to protect, determining how to protect it, and executing a global prosecution strategy that aligns with the speed of innovation and competitive landscape. The role also champions the IP function’s operating model where AI is a core tool.
Responsibilities
IP Portfolio Strategy
- Develop and manage a global patent prosecution strategy aligned with product roadmaps and market indicators.
- Identify mission-critical innovations across products and technology in partnership with Product and Engineering teams.
- Make strategic decisions on patent filings, continuations, and abandonments based on business value, competitive landscape, and jurisdictional priorities.
- Utilize portfolio analytics, competitive intelligence, prosecution data, and business metrics to identify coverage gaps, evaluate portfolio strength, guide investment decisions, and communicate IP performance and priorities to senior leadership.
- Manage the global trademark portfolio, including filing, prosecution, and maintenance across relevant jurisdictions.
- Oversee trademark clearance processes for new product names, features, campaign terms, and brand extensions, coordinating with Marketing, Product, and outside trademark counsel.
- Manage trademark renewals, watch services, and opposition or cancellation proceedings with outside specialists.
- Advise on copyright ownership, registration, and protection for software, research publications, technical documentation, and other content assets.
- Develop and maintain copyright policies covering employee-created works, contractor contributions, open-source usage, and third-party content.
- Provide strategic advice on trade secret protection.
- Support IP licensing, negotiations, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities, third-party demands, and patent analyses.
- Manage outside patent counsel to ensure high-quality, timely, and cost-effective work.
- Actively manage patent and trademark dockets, budgets, and outside spend.
AI-Enabled Operations
- Evaluate, implement, and govern AI-enabled workflows across the IP function, including invention disclosure intake, prior art review, office action summarization, portfolio analytics, outside counsel review, and budget analysis.
- Drive responsible AI adoption with appropriate quality controls, confidentiality safeguards, and attorney oversight.
- Train internal teams and outside counsel on acceptable AI use in IP workflows.
- Measure and improve the team's operating leverage through AI and automation.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and active bar membership in the state of residence, with eligibility to practice as registered in-house counsel.
- Admission to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- 15+ years of relevant IP experience, including team management.
- Extensive experience identifying, prosecuting, and procuring patentable technologies in software, SaaS, cloud, cybersecurity, and/or AI.
- Expertise managing global patent portfolios, including jurisdictional filing strategy and decisions on continuation, abandonment, and maintenance.
- Experience in trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
- Demonstrated AI fluency: ability to identify, implement, and govern practical AI use cases in legal and IP workflows.
- Proven ability to manage significant budgets effectively.
- Team-oriented, detail-oriented, and operationally rigorous.
- Proven experience utilizing AI technologies to enhance decision-making, streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and drive business outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with cybersecurity software and SaaS technologies.
- Engineering or computer science background.
- Experience supporting IP licensing, M&A, and/or open source.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range for U.S. candidates: $210,000 - $300,000 per year.
- Eligibility for bonuses and equity grants.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.
- Market-leading compensation and equity awards.
- Comprehensive physical and mental wellness programs.
- Competitive vacation and holidays.
- Paid parental and adoption leaves.
- Professional development opportunities for all employees.
- Employee networks, geographic neighborhood groups, and volunteer opportunities.
- Vibrant office culture with world-class amenities.
Location
- United States (remote or office-based as applicable).
Equal Opportunity Statement
The organization is committed to fostering a culture of belonging where everyone is valued and empowered to succeed. It provides equal employment opportunity without discrimination based on race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status, veteran status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Employment decisions including recruitment, selection, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, promotions, transfers, layoffs, terminations, and social/recreational programs are based on valid job requirements.
The organization participates in the E-Verify program.