IP Counsel

Overview

The organization is seeking an experienced and motivated Intellectual Property Counsel to join its legal team. This is a hands-on, generalist IP role for an attorney who will own a full range of intellectual property issues at a company building first-of-a-kind technology.

The role reports to the General Counsel and serves as the primary legal resource on patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyright, domain names, open source, and IP aspects of commercial transactions. As the first IP-focused hire, the attorney will help build the supporting infrastructure—policies, processes, templates, and relationships with outside counsel—that protects innovations behind the organization’s technology and software platforms.

Responsibilities

IP Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Develop and lead an IP strategy aligned with the technology roadmap and business objectives in collaboration with the broader legal team
• Build and manage the patent portfolio, from invention capture through prosecution
• Establish a trade secret protection program, including guidance on when to patent versus protect as a trade secret
• Oversee trademark, brand, and domain name portfolios

Transactions & Commercial Support

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreement provisions involving intellectual property, including licenses, strategic partnerships, joint development and research collaborations, software agreements, and purchase agreements
• Lead IP due diligence for financings, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships
• Partner with cross-functional project teams to identify risks early and align legal strategy with operational realities
• Provide general legal support across the business as the organization grows

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing
• 6+ years of intellectual property experience (law firm and/or in-house), with breadth across patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyright
• Demonstrated experience managing patent prosecution and portfolios, including working directly with inventors and directing outside counsel
• Experience drafting and negotiating IP-related commercial agreements, including licenses, joint development agreements, technology and software agreements, and IP provisions in broader commercial contracts
• Technical fluency and the ability to engage deeply with engineers and scientists on complex processes, hardware, and software, translating technical detail into sound IP strategy
• Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to calibrate risk and translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple competing priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-moving, resource-constrained environment with limited direction
• High degree of ownership and accountability, with a collaborative approach to projects of varying size and scope

Preferred Qualifications

• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Technical degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, metallurgy, mechanical or electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field
• Experience in a fast-paced startup or similar organization, ideally including building an IP function or program from the ground up
• Experience with IP in mining, energy, chemicals, advanced materials, industrial processing, robotics, or other physical or deep-tech industries
• Experience with international filing strategy (including PCT practice), trade secret programs, and open-source governance
• Experience with IP due diligence, licensing transactions, and IP disputes or litigation support
• Experience building or improving processes from scratch, including by leveraging software and/or AI

Location

San Francisco, CA or Houston, TX or Remote

May include limited travel expectations as needed.