Sherwin-Williams

Associate Counsel - Intellectual Property

Sherwin-Williams • $110K — $130K *
Cleveland, OH 44130In-Person
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor degree required
  • License to practice law in Ohio
  • License for practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
  • Undergraduate degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, or materials science
  • 2-5 years of experience in patent law
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complex legal concepts effectively
  • Strong work ethic and adaptability to changing priorities

Responsibilities

  • Manage legal activities for high-stakes intellectual property within a global manufacturing context
  • Support projects across business units by providing legal counsel
  • Collaborate with technical teams to discuss product innovations and maintain trade secrets
  • Monitor and evaluate legal risks, providing proactive guidance to mitigate them
  • Conduct research to implement effective legal solutions and strategies
  • Negotiate and draft intellectual property agreements
  • Provide training on intellectual property for internal departments

Benefits

  • Eligibility for performance-based bonuses
  • Opportunity to work in a high-visibility role within a $23 billion company
  • Engagement in collaborative projects with interdisciplinary teams
  • Access to professional development resources within a corporate environment
  • Involvement in compliance and innovative practices in a leadership capacity
Full Job Description
Responsibilities

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

This position is responsible for the management of assigned legal activities in support of a $23 billion global manufacturing company. This high visibility position will involve the management of intellectual property, specifically patents and trade secrets. The position will involve tasks and responsibilities generally performed by lawyers in law firms and corporate legal departments, including but not limited to the following:

(1) Effectively handles assigned legal activities for business units, functions, or legal practice areas:
  • Supports projects and teams, providing legal support and solutions to the company's business units or corporate departments.
  • Collaborates with scientists, engineers and researchers, and technical directors - Discusses new products, product innovation and improvements, and trade secrets.
  • Provides focused and practical legal advice on patents, trade secrets and related intellectual property issues to multiple research and development groups, and assistance with intellectual property issues in global markets.
  • Provides Proactive guidance - Stays abreast of new regulations and emerging legal risks; provides proactive advice and counsel to business units and corporate functions that may be impacted.
  • Substantiates positions - Researches, develops, and coordinates implementation of legal solutions.
  • Mitigates risk - Identifies and analyzes existing and emerging legal risks. Develops and implements business-focused strategies to manage risks.
  • Ensures Compliance - Assists the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and control mechanisms to promote intellectual property compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Provides freedom-to-practice searches, novelty assessment, patent application preparation, and prosecution.
  • Negotiates, drafts, and manages of intellectual property agreements including non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, joint development agreements, government-sponsored research and consulting agreements, and technology licenses.
  • Assists with and reviews invention disclosures, research activities and new product innovation.
  • Evaluates intellectual property and develops protection strategies, providing effective guidance with regard to IP risks and strategies.
  • Provides IP due diligence for mergers and acquisitions.
  • Provides patent and trade secret dispute and litigation support.
  • Conducts IP education/training and support for marketing, sales, R&D, and other departments.

(2) Demonstrates the development of core legal expertise and support for legal affairs of business units or enterprise-wide functions:
  • Develops understanding of the operational model by which the supported business unit or enterprise-wide function operates.
  • Supports clients on a cost-effective basis.
  • Manages outside counsel in an efficient and cost-effective manner, as necessary.

(3) Primary Business Partner Engagement:
  • Engages, communicates, and advises mid-management and operational business level of such clients.
  • Develops understanding of how legal support affects objectives, risks, and returns of business clients.

(4) Supervisory Responsibility:
  • Provides work direction or review the work of individual contributor level support staff (paralegals, admins, fellows, law clerks, etc.).

This role will report to Sherwin-Williams Global Headquarters located at 1 Sherwin Way, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA

This position is also eligible for bonus based on performance and subject to the terms of the Company's applicable plans.

Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Required:
  • Must have a Juris Doctor
  • Must have a license to practice law in Ohio
  • Must have a license to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
  • Must have an undergraduate degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, or materials science
  • Strong work ethic combined with diligence and the ability to act independently and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Demonstrated experience clearly articulating complex legal concepts to a lay audience.
  • 2-5 years of legal experience including patent application drafting, patent prosecution, and searching.
  • PC skills; Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); and other applications.
  • General working knowledge of legal software.
  • Must have the legal right to work in the country of employment without needing sponsorship now or in the future for employment visa status.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.

Preferred:
  • Advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, or materials science
  • Demonstrated experience in a corporate legal department as an in-house attorney, providing guidance and counseling to both business and research and development partners in connection with patents and trade secrets.
  • Proven ability to manage outside counsel on complex matters in a cost-effective manner.
  • Familiarity with patent research tools.
  • Experience training employees on substantive legal topics in intellectual property.
  • Deep understanding of coating technologies.
  • Experience with trademarks and copyrights.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: (TIME SPENT AWAY FROM HOME OR OTHER TYPICAL OFFICE LOCATION)
  • 10%


About Sherwin-Williams

The Sherwin-Williams Company engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coatings, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. It operates in three segments: Paint Stores, Consumer, and Global. The Paint Stores segment sells paint, coatings, and related products to end-use customers. This segment markets and sells Sherwin-Williams branded architectural paints and coatings, industrial and marine products, and original equipment manufacturer product finishes and related items.

Sherwin-Williams Careers

Join the vibrant team at Sherwin-Williams, a leader in the paint and coatings industry, and contribute to a legacy of innovation and leadership. As a company committed to growth and excellence, Sherwin-Williams offers unparalleled job opportunities for professionals eager to advance their careers in a dynamic and supportive environment. Work You’ll Do At Sherwin-Williams, we empower our team to bring their creativity and expertise to various roles, driving transformative results across the business landscape. Our commitment to professional growth and diversity training ensures that every team member can thrive. Lead in a Culture of Innovation Sherwin-Williams stands at the forefront of the coatings industry, blending tradition with advanced technology. Our culture is built on a foundation of innovation, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Join us and lead the way in developing new solutions that impact markets globally. Engage with a Global Team Collaborate with over 60,000 dedicated professionals worldwide who are as passionate about materials science as they are about creating beautiful and durable finishes. At Sherwin-Williams, you’ll work alongside industry experts and leaders who are pioneering new paths in the coatings sector. Sherwin-Williams Careers and Employment Opportunities We are continuously expanding our team and looking for talented individuals who are ready to paint the world with us. From research and development to marketing and sales, the career paths at Sherwin-Williams are as diverse as our product lines. Do Innovative Work Engage in projects that challenge the status quo and contribute to sustainability and efficiency in the industry. Our team at Sherwin-Williams harnesses the power of cutting-edge technology and collective expertise to lead the market in innovation and quality. Be Part of a Great Team Sherwin-Williams is not just a workplace. It is a community where you can build lasting relationships through professional networking and collaborative team efforts. Our inclusive environment supports diversity and is designed to help you reach your full potential. Future-Proof Your Career With a wide array of benefits, continuous training programs, and a focus on internal growth and promotions, Sherwin-Williams is committed to helping you shape a long and successful career. Whether you are looking for a full-time position, an internship, or leadership roles, the opportunities are vast. Explore Job Opportunities and Internships Start your professional journey with Sherwin-Williams by exploring various employment and internship opportunities that match your skills and interests. We are hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals ready to make a significant impact. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions, submit your resume, and prepare for your interview with us. At Sherwin-Williams, we look for individuals who are solution-driven and ready to contribute to our culture of innovation and excellence. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Sherwin-Williams. Join Sherwin-Williams today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace. Your future starts here!
Learn more about Sherwin-Williams
Size
61,626 employees
Market Cap
$61.6 billion
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$2 billion
Founded
1866
5 Year Trend
+11%
Revenue
$18.3 billion
NASDAQ
SHW
* Ladders Estimates

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