The RoleThis is a chance to be one of the first members of the legal team and to build Code Metal's intellectual property and regulatory function from the ground up. You'll report directly to the Head of Legal and work closely with Engineering, Product, Research, and Marketing teams. You'll protect what makes our technology valuable and keep it moving lawfully into the defense and national security environments that depend on it.
You will sit at the center of how the company protects and commercializes its innovation. That means turning engineering breakthroughs into a strategic patent portfolio, building and defending our brands, and advising on the export control and AI regulatory frameworks that govern our products. You'll also review how we describe what our technology can do, and build the policies, training, and infrastructure a scaling company needs.
You will draw on technical fluency, sound commercial judgment, and excellent communication skills to take on novel, complex issues as they arise. We don't expect experience in every area below; we do expect a willingness to learn and adapt. The role is grounded in IP and regulatory work, but you'll have the chance to work across the full range of issues a fast moving company faces and to partner broadly across legal and the wider business.
What You'll Do- Be one of the first members of Code Metal's small, dynamic legal team, reporting to the Head of Legal and partnering daily with engineers and researchers.
- Build and manage the company's global patent and trademark portfolios, including filing strategy, prosecution, docket and renewal management, and portfolio decisions across the U.S. and key international markets.
- Draft and prosecute patent applications covering software, AI and machine learning systems, compilers, code translation, verification methods, and related technologies. Respond to USPTO office actions, including subject matter eligibility rejections.
- Work with Engineering and Research on invention disclosures, patentability assessments, and choosing the right form of protection for each asset (patent, trade secret, copyright, or defensive publication). Help run the company's patent review process.
- Advise on export control compliance under ITAR and the EAR, including jurisdiction and classification of software, models, and technical data. Own classification requests, license applications, and technology control plans, and manage outside specialists where needed.
- Advise on the AI regulatory landscape, including federal and Department of Defense AI policy, state AI laws, and international frameworks such as the EU AI Act. Turn developments into practical guidance for product and go to market decisions.
- Review marketing, sales, and proposal materials and support claims substantiation, so that how we describe our technology's performance, accuracy, and verification capabilities is accurate and defensible.
- Own data rights assertions, markings, and IP protection strategy under FAR, DFARS, and SBIR/STTR, working alongside Commercial Counsel on how those terms are negotiated.
- Prepare, review, negotiate, and administer IP agreements, including patent and technology licenses, joint development and sponsored research agreements, CRADAs and collaborations with federal labs and universities, confidentiality agreements, and IP assignments.
- Conduct IP due diligence for acquisitions, partnerships, and strategic investments, and support post close integration of acquired IP.
- Conduct freedom to operate analyses and trademark clearance for new products, features, and brand names, and advise the business on the results.
- Maintain the company's confidentiality, invention assignment, and trade secret protection infrastructure, including open source use policies and controls on AI training data and model outputs.
- Support brand protection, including trademark oppositions, domain disputes, and enforcement actions.
- Advise on infringement risk, enforcement strategy, and defense against third party claims, and support PTAB proceedings and litigation as needed.
- Select and manage outside patent, trademark, export control, and litigation counsel, owning scope, quality, and budget.
- Develop corporate IP and regulatory compliance policy, and deliver practical training to technical and commercial teams.
- Monitor third party filings and developments in IP law, export controls, and AI and technology policy, and proactively advise the business on the risks and opportunities they create.
What We Require- J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the bar of the state where your office is located (California, the District of Columbia, or Massachusetts), or eligibility to register as in house counsel in one of those jurisdictions.
- 4 to 8 years of relevant patent and trademark experience, ideally including both law firm and in house work. More senior candidates are encouraged to apply; the role may be scoped to experience.
- Registration to practice before the USPTO. This role involves direct drafting and prosecution.
- A degree in computer science, electrical or computer engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field, plus demonstrated experience drafting and prosecuting software or AI patent applications.
- Experience with IP transactional work, including licensing, portfolio management, and diligence.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to give clear, timely guidance to engineers and business stakeholders.
- A quick, independent learner able to contribute across a broad startup legal function, including topics that may be new to you, and to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders at once.
- Must be a U.S. Person, given required access to U.S. export controlled information (ITAR/EAR).
What We Value- A combination of law-firm and in-house or government experience.
- Experience at, or advising, a technology, defense, aerospace, or hardware company, and comfort working alongside engineers and technical teams.
- Familiarity with procurement vehicles and frameworks such as GSA schedules, GWACs, IDIQs, BPAs, OTAs, and SBIR/STTR, and with subcontracting structures.
- Familiarity with cybersecurity and compliance frameworks such as FedRAMP, CMMC, and NIST SP 800-171, and with DFARS cybersecurity clauses.
- Experience advising on export controls (ITAR/EAR), data rights, and government software licensing.
- An independent interest in the law and policy of defense acquisition and national-security technology, with opinions about what is right, what is broken, and how to fix it.
Benefits- Pay depends on experience, but we strive to be at the upper end of the salary range
- Health care plan with 100% premium coverage, including medical, dental, and vision
- 401k with 5% matching
- Paid Time Off (uncapped vacation, plus sick and public holidays)
- Flexible hybrid or remote work arrangement
- Relocation assistance for qualifying employees
Wage Transparency - The salary range for this role is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as the final offer amount may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, individual proficiency, skills, experience, and location.
