Senior Manager - Patents

Cognizant; Bengaluru; Hybrid; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Senior Manager - Patents to drive global patent strategy and portfolio development. You will collaborate with technology, research, product, and legal teams to optimize IP value and governance across jurisdictions.

You will lead invention harvesting, evaluate patentability, and manage budgets while advising stakeholders on ownership and AI patent issues. A strong leadership mindset and ownership ethic are essential.

Qualifications

• Law degree required.
• Engineering/CS/IT or technical degree required.
• Extensive experience managing patent portfolios and prosecutions.
• Strong knowledge of global patent laws and ownership
• Experience with outside counsel and patent budgets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global patent strategies aligned with tech priorities and business goals.
• Lead invention harvesting with engineering, research, and product teams.
• Oversee patent evaluation, prior-art analysis, filing decisions, and portfolio optimization.
• Govern patent committee processes, compliance, and budget oversight.
• Advise on ownership, inventorship, AI patent considerations, and IP developments.
• Demonstrate ownership, collaboration, and continuous learning in line with Cognizant values.

Skills

Patent portfolio management

Patent prosecution

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Intellectual property

AI patents

Education

Law degree

Engineering/CS/IT degree

Job description

About Cognizant Corporate

Cognizant Corporate is a global community united by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to excellence and driven by outcomes that matter. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and our forward-thinking mindset fuels continuous learning, innovation, and growth. At Cognizant, careers transcend titles. We empower our people to think strategically, inspire others, and lead with purpose, always guided by our core values. Join us in shaping the future of business. Could you be the one to make a difference?

About the role

As a Senior Manager - Patents, you will drive impactful contributions to Cognizant's global patent program and intellectual property strategy. You will be a key member of the Legal and Intellectual Property team, collaborating with technology, research, innovation, product, engineering, business, and legal stakeholders. You will have the autonomy to lead patent strategy, portfolio development, governance, and operational excellence while supporting innovation across the organization.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and execute global patent strategies aligned with technology priorities, innovation roadmaps, business objectives, competitive positioning, and commercialization goals.
• Lead invention harvesting efforts by partnering with engineering, research, innovation, delivery, and product teams to identify and evaluate patentable innovations.
• Manage patent evaluation, prior-art analysis, filing decisions, prosecution activities, and portfolio optimization across relevant jurisdictions.
• Oversee patent governance, including patent committee processes, approvals, compliance, records management, outside counsel engagement, and budget oversight.
• Advise stakeholders on ownership, inventorship, AI-related patent considerations, collaborative innovation matters, and emerging intellectual property developments.
• Embrace our vibrant culture by striving for excellence, focusing on meaningful outcomes, and collaborating effectively. Prioritize quality, stay curious, and commit to continuous learning. Take ownership, build relationships, and focus on personal growth to drive business strategy and impactful work.

What you must have to be considered

• Law degree.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics, Telecommunications, Data Science, or another technical discipline.
• Significant experience managing patent portfolios, patent prosecution, invention evaluation, and intellectual property governance.
• Strong knowledge of global patent laws, patentability analysis, inventorship, ownership, licensing, and prosecution strategies.
• Experience working with outside counsel, managing patent budgets, and advising technology and business stakeholders.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to coach and develop patent and IP professionals.
• A strong sense of ownership, desire to create meaningful outcomes, and passion for work that serves a greater good for customers, communities, or global challenges.
• The embodiment of Cognizant's Values of: Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do The Right Thing, & Own It.

These will help you succeed

• Advanced experience supporting AI-enabled and software-based innovations.
• Expertise in computer-implemented inventions and emerging patent trends.
• Experience building and optimizing global patent portfolios within large multinational organizations.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex patent matters into practical business recommendations.
• Experience implementing patent operations, dashboards, SOPs, and compliance frameworks.

Work model

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role's business requirements, the work arrangement may be remote, hybrid, or onsite and will be communicated during the hiring process. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

Work Authorization

Must be legally authorized to work in the country without the need for employer sponsorship, now or any time in the future.