Assistant General Counsel - IP

Arkema; Radnor (Delaware County); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Training opportunities

Job summary

Arkema Inc. seeks an Assistant General Counsel - IP to guide global patent strategy and protect cutting-edge chemical technologies. You’ll collaborate with scientists to identify inventions and prosecute patent filings, while advising on confidentiality and IP-related agreements.

You will represent Arkema in USPTO matters, work with R&D and business leaders, and oversee complex license and collaboration agreements, ensuring compliance and strategic value.

Qualifications

• 10+ years IP and patent experience, preferably in chemicals/manufacturing.
• JD from an accredited law school; bar admission in PA preferred.
• BS in chemistry or related field; PhD/masters preferred.
• In-house and law firm experience preferred.
• Ability to prosecute patents and negotiate IP agreements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute patent filings.
• Identify and protect patentable innovations with R&D scientists.
• Negotiate IP matters with customers, vendors, and government officials.
• Draft and negotiate patent, trademark, trade secrets, and non-disclosure agreements.
• University and government collaborations.

Skills

Intellectual property

Patent prosecution

Legal negotiations

In-house & law firm experience

Chemistry background

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Juris Doctorate (JD)

PhD or Masters in chemistry-related field (preferred)

Bar admission in PA or US state

Job description

Assistant General Counsel - Intellectual Property with Arkema Inc.

• Are you excited by the opportunity to build, expand, and defend a global patent portfolio that protects cutting-edge specialty materials technologies?


• Do you enjoy collaborating with scientists to successfully identify patentable inventions, then strategically drafting and prosecuting applications through grant?


• Can you translate complex legal and technical issues into practical, business-focused advice for scientists, engineers, and senior leaders?

As an Assistant General Counsel - Intellectual Property attorney with Arkema inc., you will provide legal guidance and support across all Company matters relating to all areas of intellectual property. This role ensures the organization complies with all confidentiality and intellectual property laws, government regulations, and internal policies, while serving as a trusted advisor to R&D and BU leadership and Company business partners. The position also represents the Company in USPTO matters. This position reports to the Deputy General Counsel – Litigation and Intellectual Property.

If you’re looking for an organization that prioritizes career growth and is committed to developing its talent in a collaborative team environment —this is your opportunity.

At Arkema, you’ll be part of an organization that values its people. With plenty of training and advancement opportunities, you will be supported to thrive and grow within our global network.

Our values guide how we work every day—not just what we say.

• Inclusion: Everyone deserves to feel respected, supported, and heard.


• Safety & Support: We prioritize safe work practices, proper PPE, clear procedures, and incident reporting without hesitation.


• Empowerment: Training is provided, expectations are clear, and learning is encouraged.


• Teamwork: Success here is built through communication, collaboration, and shared responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:

As an Assistant General Counsel – IP attorney, you will…

• Prepare and prosecute patent filings


• Partner with R&D scientists to identify and protect patentable innovations


• Negotiate intellectual property legal matters on behalf of the company, including with customers, suppliers, third party vendors, and government officials.


• Draft and negotiate substantially all agreements relating to patents, trademarks, trade secrets, confidentiality/non-disclosure, including, for example:


• joint development of technology and other collaborative programs;


• intellectual property provisions of commercial agreements in support of the law department’s commercial attorneys;


• Non-disclosure agreements with customers and vendors; and


• University and government collaborations.

Qualifications:

We’d love to hear from you! Arkema is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. We welcome applicants of all genders, identities, backgrounds, and experiences, including veterans and candidates with military service.

• Minimum 10+ years intellectual property and patent experience, preferably working with and/or for large chemical companies or in the manufacturing industry.


• Primary practice areas: intellectual property, patent, and trade secrets; experience in patent assertion and IP litigation a plus.


• Both in-house and law firm experience preferred.


• Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry related field required


• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school required


• Advanced degree (PhD or Masters) in chemistry-related field (preferred)


• Admitted to the Bar of a US State or Commonwealth, preferably PA


• Must be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

• Hybrid position (present at Arkema’s Radnor, Pennsylvania corporate headquarters site at least 3 days/week)


• Occasional travel to R&D meetings at innovation centers


• May occasionally require working additional hours outside of normal workday/workweek to meet urgent deadlines.