R&D Legal Counsel

Part of nGAGE Talent Limited; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Part of nGAGE Talent Limited is seeking an IP-focused Legal Counsel to guide strategy across patents, trademarks, copyrights, and tech development.

You will partner with R&D, executives, and business units to protect and monetize intellectual property assets, manage risk, and support growth in a sophisticated innovation environment.

This role requires Ontario bar admission and a track record in in-house IP practice, with international portfolio management and licensing experience preferred.

Qualifications

• In-house IP law experience is required across a technology-focused organization.
• Strong patent strategy and portfolio management capabilities.
• Licensing, technology commercialization, and collaboration experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience partnering with inventors, researchers and product teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute intellectual property strategies aligned with business and innovation objectives.
• Provide strategic advice on patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters.
• Manage domestic and international patent and trademark portfolios.
• Partner with inventors, researchers, engineers, and business leaders to identify and protect innovations.
• Lead invention harvesting and disclosure processes.
• Support licensing, collaboration and technology commercialization initiatives.
• Advise on IP risk and freedom-to-operate considerations.
• Coordinate relationships with external IP agents and law firms worldwide.
• Advise on IP aspects of strategic transactions and partnerships.
• Support dispute resolution, enforcement and litigation strategies as needed.
• Monitor IP law developments and emerging technologies.

Skills

In-house IP law

Patent portfolio management

Licensing & commercialization

Technical collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Ontario bar admission

Job description

Title: Legal Counsel

Location: TBD - Greater Toronto Area

About the Opportunity

We are searching for an IP focused counsel that will provide strategic legal and business guidance across intellectual property, innovation, commercialization, and technology development initiatives.

The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, research and development teams, and business stakeholders, helping to maximize the value of the organization's intellectual property assets while supporting innovation and long-term growth objectives.

This is an opportunity to join an organization with a sophisticated innovation ecosystem, a strong commitment to technology advancement, and a growing intellectual property portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute intellectual property strategies aligned with business and innovation objectives.
• Provide strategic advice regarding patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and related intellectual property matters.
• Manage and optimize domestic and international patent and trademark portfolios.
• Partner with inventors, researchers, engineers, and business leaders to identify, evaluate, and protect new innovations.
• Lead invention harvesting and disclosure processes.
• Support technology commercialization, licensing, collaboration, and partnership initiatives.
• Manage intellectual property risks and advise on freedom-to-operate considerations.
• Coordinate and oversee relationships with external patent agents, law firms, and intellectual property service providers worldwide.
• Advise on intellectual property aspects of strategic transactions, partnerships, and business initiatives.
• Support dispute resolution, enforcement, opposition, and litigation strategies when required.
• Monitor developments in intellectual property law, emerging technologies, and competitive activity.
• Develop and deliver intellectual property education and awareness programs across the organization.

Ideal Background

• Experience in in-house intellectual property law.
• Experience across technology companies.
• Licensed lawyer in the state of Ontario.
• Significant experience in intellectual property law, patent strategy, portfolio management, or technology commercialization.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex patent portfolios and/or innovation programs.
• Experience supporting technology development, research activities, product initiatives, or commercialization efforts.
• Strong understanding of patent prosecution, patent strategy, licensing, and intellectual property risk management.
• Experience working directly with technical teams, inventors, researchers, or product development groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting software, telecommunications, AI, life sciences, medical device, advanced engineering, clean technology, or other innovation-intensive sectors.
• International intellectual property portfolio management experience.
• Technology licensing and commercialization experience.
• Experience leading intellectual property strategy within a multinational environment.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic and commercially minded.
• Strong business judgment.
• Influential relationship builder.
• Collaborative leadership style.
• Analytical and solution-oriented.
• Comfortable operating in complex and evolving environments.
• Able to balance legal risk with business objectives.