The Hershey Company

Sr. Counsel, Patents

The Hershey Company$150K — $180K *
Food & Beverages
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (JD) with USPTO bar registration.
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in patent law, emphasizing prosecution, enforcement, and portfolio management.
  • Experience in a corporate legal department or law firm setting.
  • Background in consumer packaged goods (CPG), food, or manufacturing industries preferred.
  • Expertise in global patent laws and intellectual property risk management.
  • Knowledge of food regulatory compliance beneficial.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the identification and maintenance of patentable inventions.
  • Conduct patent landscape analyses and freedom-to-operate reviews.
  • Draft and negotiate patent-related agreements, including licensing.
  • Manage patent disputes and litigation alongside external counsel.
  • Deliver training on patent and intellectual property compliance.
  • Oversee the global patent portfolio and budget management.
  • Provide strategic legal insights influencing innovation and risk management.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness programs.
  • Competitive pay, annual incentive opportunities, and 401(k) with company match.
  • Paid time off, company holidays, and flexible working arrangements.
  • Career development programs and internal mobility opportunities.
Full Job Description
Job Overview

How will you fit in the big picture?

The Senior Counsel, Patents serves as a strategic legal advisor to The Hershey Company and plays a critical role in protecting, strengthening, and leveraging our global patent portfolio. This position partners closely with R&D, innovation, digital, and business teams to protect innovations across food products, packaging, manufacturing processes, and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled solutions. The role helps drive business growth through proactive intellectual property strategy, risk management, and stakeholder education.

What will you do?

  • Lead identification, protection, prosecution, and maintenance of patentable inventions across products, packaging, manufacturing processes, and emerging technologies.


  • Conduct patent landscape analyses, freedom-to-operate reviews, and competitive intelligence assessments to support innovation and mitigate risk.


  • Draft, review, and negotiate patent-related agreements, including technology transfer, joint development, research collaboration, and IP licensing arrangements.


  • Manage patent disputes, oppositions, and litigation activities in partnership with external counsel.


  • Develop and deliver patent and intellectual property training for employees, driving compliance with global patent laws and company policies.Oversee a global patent portfolio, including budget management and outside counsel/vendor relationships.Provide strategic legal guidance that influences enterprise-wide innovation, intellectual property, and risk management decisions.


Minimum Education & Requirements

Experience:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) with USPTO bar registration.
  • Minimum 8 years of progressive patent law experience, including patent prosecution, enforcement, and portfolio management. (Note: This exceeds the L60 minimum requirement of 7+ years of relevant experience.)
  • Experience within a corporate legal department and/or law firm environment.
  • Experience supporting consumer packaged goods (CPG), food, manufacturing, or related industries preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise in global patent laws, patent portfolio strategy, and intellectual property risk management.
  • Knowledge of food regulatory and compliance requirements preferred.


Education:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) required.
  • Admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania or ability to obtain a limited corporate counsel license in Pennsylvania.
  • USPTO bar registration required.


Benefits & Perks

  • Health & Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs that support your physical and mental health
  • Financial Security: Competitive pay, annual incentive opportunities, and a 401(k) with company match
  • Time Off & Flexibility: Paid time off, company holidays, and flexible ways of working where applicable
  • Growth & Development: Career development programs, learning opportunities, and internal mobility

Benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company Careers

Join the sweetest team on earth at The Hershey Company, a global leader in chocolate and sugar confections. With a rich heritage of innovation and leadership, The Hershey Company offers unparalleled job opportunities in an environment that champions diversity, creativity, and growth. Work You’ll Do Embark on a fulfilling career journey with The Hershey Company, where you can contribute to a range of exciting projects that help shape the future of the confectionery industry. At Hershey, you will work alongside a diverse team of professionals who are passionate about delivering joy through their products and innovations. Transform your professional life by engaging in roles that leverage your unique skills and aspirations. Whether in marketing, research and development, production, or sales, each position at Hershey is designed to foster leadership and professional growth. Lead with Innovation At The Hershey Company, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From creating delightful new treats to enhancing our sustainable practices, our team is constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the confectionery space. Join a company where your ideas and leadership can make a tangible impact on our products and processes, driving growth and excellence in the industry. Explore Career Opportunities The Hershey Company is committed to nurturing talent and providing its employees with the tools they need for success. Explore a variety of job opportunities and internships that can help you build a rewarding career. Our positions are designed to challenge your skills and help you grow as a professional. Be Part of Our Culture Experience a company culture that values teamwork, integrity, and respect. At Hershey, we believe in creating an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in our everyday operations and the positive atmosphere our team members enjoy. Benefits and Growth Invest in your future with The Hershey Company’s comprehensive benefits package, designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. Embrace opportunities for career advancement through professional development programs and continuous learning initiatives. Networking and Professional Development Enhance your career prospects through Hershey’s robust networking opportunities. Connect with industry leaders, participate in global conferences, and engage in diversity training programs that prepare you for leadership roles within the company. Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests on The Hershey Company’s careers page. We are looking for passionate, innovative, and driven individuals to join our team and help us continue our legacy of success and leadership in the confectionery industry. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, company news, and industry insights—all from the people who work at The Hershey Company. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your job alerts to find out about the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await you at Hershey. Explore, innovate, and grow with The Hershey Company. Discover how your career can flourish in an environment dedicated to nurturing talent and celebrating success. Join us and be part of a team that’s making a difference in the sweetest way possible!
Learn more about The Hershey Company
Size
16,620 employees
Market Cap
$48.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1894
5 Year Trend
+3.8%
Revenue
$8.1 billion
NASDAQ

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