Perplexity AI is looking for a Senior Counsel, Patents to build and lead our intellectual property strategy from the ground up. As one of the fastest-growing AI companies in the world, protecting our innovations in search, AI reasoning, and retrieval-augmented generation is a critical strategic priority and this role is central to that mission. You'll be our first dedicated patent attorney, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive patent portfolio strategy that reflects the depth and pace of our engineering and product innovation. The ideal candidate brings a technical foundation in computer science or a related field, significant experience in patent prosecution and portfolio strategy at a top IP firm or in-house at a technology company, and genuine enthusiasm for working closely with engineers and researchers to identify and protect what makes Perplexity unique. This is a rare opportunity to shape IP strategy at a defining moment in AI..
Key Responsibilities- Develop and execute a comprehensive patent portfolio strategy for Perplexity's core technologies, including AI search, retrieval-augmented generation, ranking systems, and enterprise AI infrastructure.
- Lead patent harvesting efforts by conducting regular invention disclosure sessions and working closely with engineering, research, and product teams to identify patentable innovations early in the development cycle.
- Manage the full patent prosecution lifecycle from invention disclosure through filing, prosecution, and grant working with outside patent counsel to ensure quality, efficiency, and strategic alignment.
- Evaluate patent applications for eligibility, novelty, relevance, and detectability to build a portfolio that provides meaningful competitive protection and business value.
- Advise on AI-specific IP considerations, including patentability of AI/ML-implemented inventions, freedom-to-operate analyses, and the evolving USPTO and global regulatory landscape for AI patents.
- Negotiate and manage IP transactions, including patent licenses, cross-licenses, and IP-related provisions in commercial and partnership agreements, working alongside the Commercial (Enterprise) team as needed.
- Build and maintain an open source software compliance program including OSS scanning, risk mitigation, and proper attribution in partnership with Engineering and Security teams.
- Conduct internal training sessions for engineering and product teams on IP best practices, invention identification, and the strategic value of the patent program.
- Monitor the competitive patent landscape and provide strategic intelligence on competitor filings, emerging technology trends, and potential IP risks.
- Establish scalable IP processes, tools, and policies to support Perplexity's rapid growth and expanding global footprint.
Qualifications- A technical undergraduate degree (or equivalent experience), preferably a CE or Computer Science degree.
- 10+ years of relevant experience including experience as in-house counsel in patent preparation and prosecution, strategic portfolio development, foreign filing, and licensing.
- JD and in good standing with an active US state bar membership
- Registration to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills: written and verbal, organizational abilities, and attested attention to detail.
- Ability to navigate and break down complex legal issues into actionable advice covering a broad range of interdependent issues, balance risk with business need, and ask tough questions
- Hands-on attitude to tackle projects large and small, low-ego approach to working across the organization
- Positive collaborative attitude, comfort with change and a fast pace, high level of integrity, and intellectual curiosity
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
