JOB DESCRIPTION

The Vice President, Patent Litigation & Strategy is a senior-level executive responsible for leading the company's patent strategy, with particular emphasis on managing patent prosecution, patent litigation, enforcement, risk management, and licensing. This role oversees the strategic development, protection, monetization, and defense of the organization's patent assets to ensure alignment with business objectives.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, IP and Litigation, the Vice President partners closely with senior business leadership, technology, and product teams to align patent strategy with innovation and growth initiatives. The role exists to safeguard the company's technological assets, maximize the value of the patent portfolio, negotiate and structure strategic licensing arrangements, and manage complex patent disputes and pre-litigation matters.

Ultimately, the Vice President is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive, business-driven patent strategy that enhances enterprise value while managing legal, operational, and financial risk.

A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Patent Litigation and Enforcement

• Develop and lead strategy for offensive and defensive patent litigation matters in coordination with internal stakeholders and outside counsel
• Manage all aspects of patent disputes, including pre-suit negotiations, discovery oversight, expert development, motion practice, trial preparation, and, if applicable, settlement negotiations
• Manage responses to infringement allegations, including risk analysis, non-infringement and invalidity strategies, and business mitigation plans

Licensing and Commercial Transactions

• Lead complex patent-related licensing negotiations and dispute-driven, if applicable
• Provide IP diligence and strategic input in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and investments
• Develop monetization strategies for patent assets, including licensing programs
• Advise on patent-related provisions, indemnities, and risk allocation in commercial agreements

Patent Strategy and Portfolio Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive patent strategy aligned with the company's business objectives and technology roadmap
• Manage and optimize the company's patent portfolio to ensure cost efficiency and strategic value
• Formalize processes for harvesting with engineering, R&D, and product teams

Patent Prosecution

• Direct all aspects of domestic and international patent prosecution, including oversight of outside counsel and foreign associates
• Review and approve patent applications, office action responses, appeals, and related filings
• Develop strategies for navigating complex prosecution issues, including subject matter eligibility, prior art challenges, and patent office proceedings
• Manage post-grant proceedings, including inter partes reviews (IPR), oppositions, reexaminations, and similar actions globally

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
• 10+ years of patent litigation and/or complex patent licensing matters
• Significant experience managing high-stakes patent disputes, including strategic decision-making regarding trial, settlement, and pre-litigation resolution
• Deep experience as first or second chair in complex patent litigation matters at a major law firm or significant in-house experience at a technology-driven company with patent litigation, licensing, and portfolio management programs
• High ethical standards and professionalism
• Strong initiative and a self-starter attitude
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to travel as required for business meetings, conferences, site visits, and other professional obligations, both domestically and internationally

NICE TO HAVE BUT NOT A DEALBREAKER

• USPTO registration
• Prior in-house experience at a leading technology company

Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay rate/range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location is $247,000.00-295,000.00 annually. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, various benefits, including medical/dental/vision, insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and other benefits in accordance with applicable plan documents. Benefits for Union represented employees will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

View more detail about FOX Benefits.