Assistant General Counsel – Intellectual Property

Helen of Troy; Plano (TX); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary Bonus

Healthcare

Dental

Vision

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) with company match

Basic Life Insurance

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

PTO

Educational Assistance

Job summary

Helen of Troy is seeking an Assistant General Counsel – Intellectual Property to lead our strategic IP initiatives and protect a broad portfolio of brands including OXO, Hydro Flask, and Vicks. The role emphasizes patent law, IP litigation, licensing, and proactive risk management within a fast-moving, publicly traded company.

You will guide IP strategy with senior leadership, manage budgets, and coordinate with external counsel.

Qualifications

• JD required with bar license in Texas.
• Minimum 4 years of IP experience in-house or at a law firm.
• Experience in patent law, IP litigation, and licensing preferred.
• Active ability to work in a fast-paced, publicly traded company environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee patent portfolio development, maintenance, and enforcement.
• Develop IP strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead IP litigation management including patent, trademark, and copyright disputes.
• Negotiate and draft IP licenses and related agreements.
• Identify and mitigate IP risks with cross-functional partners.
• Coordinate outside counsel within budget and timelines.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions.
• Provide IP training and mentorship to internal teams.

Skills

IP Litigation

IP Portfolio Mgmt

Legal Strategy

Cross-functional Leadership

Education

Juris Doctorate (ABA-accredited)

Licensed to practice in Texas

Job description

Join our Legal team at Helen of Troy and make an immediate impact on our trusted brands: OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Honeywell, PUR, Braun, Vicks, Hot Tools, Drybar, Curlsmith, Revlon, and Olive & June. Together, we build innovative and useful products that elevate people's lives everywhere, every day.

Look around your home, and you'll find us everywhere, in your kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. We are already making your everyday lives better. We are powered by knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking people committed to developing a culture of inclusion. Whether you are just starting your career or in need of a challenge, we recognize, develop, and empower talent!

Position

Assistant General Counsel -- Intellectual Property

Department

Legal

Work Location

Plano or El Paso, TX, Hybrid (work 3 days onsite)

Hybrid Schedule

At Helen of Troy, we embrace a flexible hybrid work model designed to support collaboration and productivity. For roles eligible for hybrid work, our standard schedule includes in-office collaboration from Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Any updates to this model will be communicated in advance. Please note that hybrid eligibility and schedules may vary based on business needs and manager expectations.

What You Will Be Doing

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property, to join our multifaceted legal team at Helen of Troy. This pivotal role involves managing and protecting our extensive intellectual property portfolio, developing strategic IP initiatives, and providing experienced legal counsel on all IP-related matters. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in patent law, IP litigation, and licensing, with a consistent track record of supporting innovation and mitigating IP risks in a fast-paced, publicly traded company environment. If you are a proactive and strategic thinker with outstanding legal acumen, we invite you to apply and contribute to our company's continued success.

• Patent Portfolio Management: Overseeing the development, maintenance, and enforcement of the company's patent portfolio.
• IP Strategy Development: Collaborating with senior leadership to develop and implement intellectual property strategies that align with business goals.
• IP Litigation Management: Leading and handling intellectual property litigation, including patent, trademark, and copyright disputes.
• IP Licensing and Transactions: Negotiating and drafting IP-related agreements, such as license agreements, IP assignments and transfer agreements.
• Risk Management: Proactively identifying and mitigating IP risks, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations and providing opinions to business units and company leadership to minimize risk.
• External Counsel Coordination: Managing relationships with external legal counsel for IP matters within budget, including prosecution, enforcement and litigation.
• IP Due Diligence: Conducting and/or managing IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions.
• Training and Education: Providing training and mentorship to internal teams on IP matters and best practices.
• Budget Management: Preparing and handling the budget for the IP legal function.
• Innovation Support: Supporting the company's innovation initiatives by evaluating new product concepts and ensuring appropriate IP protection.
• Brand Protection: Developing and leading the Company's brand protection efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
• 4 years of in-house or law firm experience in intellectual property.
• Active law license in the state of Texas.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Corporate or transactional experience

Benefits

• Salary Bonus**,**
• Healthcare
• Dental
• Vision
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) with company match
• Basic Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability (STD)
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)Paid Charitable (volunteer) Leave
• and Educational Assistance.

For more information about Helen of Troy, visit www.helenoftroy.com . You can also find us on LinkedIn , and Glassdoor . Helen of Troy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. We will provide individuals with disabilities with reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application process. To request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at [phone]. Founded in 1968, Helen of Troy is a leading global consumer products company with operations across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Our portfolio includes trusted brands such as OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Honeywell, PUR, Braun, Vicks, Hot Tools, Drybar, Curlsmith, Revlon, and Olive & June -- many of which rank among the top brands in their consumer goods categories. We grow and strengthen our brands through innovation, operational excellence, and a collaborative culture focused on delivering exceptional products and experiences for consumers worldwide. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. *Management reserves the right to modify the duties and responsibilities of the position at any time.