Associate General Counsel

Mercedes-Benz R&D North America; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America seeks an experienced IP leader to oversee protection, prosecution, and strategic activity for all North American Mercedes-Benz IP operations. The role interfaces with legal, business units, and external counsel to safeguard the portfolio.

The candidate will manage the NA IP & Patents team, assess patentability, coordinate licensing efforts, and provide IP policy guidance while liaising with global teams and business partners.

Qualifications

• JD – Law Degree required.
• BS – electrical/ mechanical/ CS/ physics or other science degree.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the North American IP & Patents team (patent professionals, paralegals, admins).
• Assess patentability and scope of IP protection per company strategy.
• Manage outside IP counsel’s drafting and filing activities.
• Coordinate IP policy, licensing, training across cross-functional teams.

Skills

IP leadership

Patent portfolio management

Legal negotiation

Education

JD – Law Degree

BS – engineering/science

Tools

USPTO registration

Job description

At Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA), we are committed to delivering world-class automotive technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible. Our teams of highly skilled engineers and designers use cutting-edge software and technology, to enhance the driving experience and reduce environmental impact.

This role oversees IP protection, prosecution, and strategic activity for all Mercedes-Benz IP operations in North America.

About MBRDNA. Embedded in a worldwide network, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA) continuously strives to remain at the forefront of successful automotive research and development. MBRDNA includes locations in Silicon Valley, Atlanta, Ann Arbor, and Carlsbad. In Silicon Valley, we work on key areas of Advanced Interaction Design, Digital User Experience, AI/Machine Learning integration and infrastructure for vehicle personalization, Autonomous Driving, Customer Research and Business Innovation. In Ann Arbor, the focus is on Powertrain including battery development/design, charging, eDrive Testing and Regulatory Affairs Division. The Advanced Vehicle Design in Carlsbad, California completes the picture. Together, all the developers, technicians, engineers and designers take on the challenges of creating the next mobility innovation for Mercedes-Benz customers around the world. They are inspired by the newest trends, find the best solutions for the customer, develop the latest and greatest technologies and create the next generation of connected, safe, sustainable and luxurious vehicles.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. (If you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee or refugee, sponsorship is not required to work in the United States.)

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the North American IP & Patents team (patent professionals (including patent engineers and patent attorneys), paralegals, and administrative assistants).
• Select, interview, hire, and train new IP team members.
• Assess the patentability of harvested inventions and evaluate the achievable scope of IP protection, taking into account the company IP strategy.
• Assist business unit managers/project leaders in implementing the company IP strategy
• Monitor and evaluate third-party IP rights for relevance to the company, and assess and advise on potential defensive measures.
• Pursue avenues of IP portfolio licensing by conducting thorough infringement analyses and coordinating licensing efforts with the global IP team.
• Examine the legal status of domestic and foreign IP rights, in cooperation with external or foreign attorneys if necessary, especially in cases of suspected issues involving third-party IP rights.
• Manage outside IP counsel’s patent application drafting and filing activities, and analysis of third party IP rights.
• Keep the company updated on IP policy, legislation, and case law.
• Advise North American Mercedes-Benz legal departments on questions of IP law and strategy and liaise between North American and foreign IP prosecution/litigation offices.
• Support contract negotiations with third-party technology collaborators, advising on issues relating to, e.g., IP ownership.
• Coordinate with other companies, universities, trade groups, and consortiums on IP and technology policy matters.
• Develop and provide IP training for cross-functional teams throughout the company.
• Implement and improve company inventor incentive programs.
• Work closely with company IP colleagues in North America and abroad.
• Manage US-based patent prosecution activity for globally developed innovation at Mercedes-Benz, including developing and maintaining outside counsel relationships and ensuring robust IP protection for new product offerings.
• Identify potential IP licensing targets and facilitate third-party outreach and licensing negotiations in North America.
• Develop and execute best practices for all company IP creation originating in or entering the U.S.
• Actively participate in the Mercedes-Benz IP leadership team and IP risk board to support global decision-making regarding company-wide IP rights, strategy, budgeting, and staffing.
• Coordinate with the company’s U.S. External Affairs team on IP and technology policy matters, including proposed legislation, trade group policies and congressional communication, and CAFC/SCOTUS amicus briefs.
• Support IP litigation and Inter Partes Reviews involving the company.
• Act as the North American point of contact for all Standard Essential Patent (SEP) issues including incorporation of standards into vehicle systems and algorithms, potential litigation, and licensing activity including patent pools and networks.
• *Position Title and Level will be commensurate with professional background and experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS – electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, or other science degree
• JD – Law Degree
• 10-12 years prior experience as an IP attorney at a law firm, in-house, or both Experience with patent portfolio management
• Other licenses or certifications required:
• Licensed attorney in a US state
• Attorney registered to practice before the USPTO

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive, software industry IP experience

This position may involve access to export-controlled technology, hardware, or software under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 C.F.R. Parts 730-774 and possibly technical data, defense articles and defense services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130. As such, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America may be required to obtain an export license or authorization in accordance with United States law.

Why should you apply?

Here at MBRDNA, you create digital ecosystems around cars, you design a language between humans and machines, you make a car even more intelligent - you make the new reality for cars. MBRDNA was honored as one of the "Best Places to Work" by BuiltIn in January 2024, a testament to our commitment to creating an exceptional work environment. At each of our offices, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, ensuring every team member can thrive and innovate.

Benefits for Full-Time * Employees Include:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families

401(k) with employer match

Up to 15 company-paid holidays

Paid time off (flexible time off for salaried employees), sick time, and parental leave

Tuition assistance program

Wellness/Fitness reimbursement programs

* Internships & Contractors excluded from Full-Time Employee benefits

MBRDNA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and strongly supports diversity in the workforce. MBRDNA only accepts resumes from approved agencies who have a valid Agency Agreement on file. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, MBRDNA employees, or send to any MBRDNA location. MBRDNA is not responsible for any fees or claims related to receipt of unsolicited resumes.

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America, Inc.

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