Director, Assistant General Counsel - Intellectual Property

Cboe Global Markets; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Cboe Global Markets seeks a Director, Assistant General Counsel – Intellectual Property in Chicago to lead the IP program across the organization. The role involves developing comprehensive IP strategies, overseeing patent and trademark filings, and guiding external counsel on litigation and regulatory matters.

Strong collaboration with cross‑functional teams is essential. Minimum experience includes 8+ years as a registered attorney with at least 5 years in software/technology IP, and USPTO

Qualifications

• Sophisticated knowledge of US IP laws including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.

Responsibilities

• Protect, manage, and leverage Cboe IP through patents, trademarks, copyrights and related strategies.
• Prepare and prosecute patent and trademark applications before the USPTO and foreign offices.
• Manage external IP counsel and oversee IP litigation and disputes.
• Provide IP counsel to senior management and stakeholders; stay current on IP developments.

Skills

IP law knowledge

Communication

Project management

Regulatory awareness

Team collaboration

Detail orientation

Education

Juris Doctorate

Licensed to practice law (barred)

USPTO registration

Job description

Job Description

Building trusted markets — powered by our people

At Cboe Global Markets, we inspire our people to solve complex challenges together because what we do matters. We provide the financial infrastructure that powers the global economy. As a leading provider of market infrastructure and tradable products, Cboe delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to market participants around the world.

Job Description

Building trusted markets — powered by our people

At Cboe Global Markets, we inspire our people to solve complex challenges together because what we do matters. We provide the financial infrastructure that powers the global economy. As a leading provider of market infrastructure and tradable products, Cboe delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to market participants around the world.

We’re building meaningful ways to support professional and personal development while strengthening the trust we’ve earned as a global market leader. Our teams are empowered to share ideas, actively pursue them and bring on a challenge. As champions of internal mobility and access to opportunity, we encourage our people to “go for it” and equip our managers with the training to coach their teams to the next level. We strive to provide employees a safe space to network, share ideas and create opportunities.

To support strong partnership and team connection, this role follows a four day in office work model.

Location Overview

Cboe HQ is located in the historic Old Post Office district, it’s a landmark that blends classic architecture with modern amenities. The building features expansive spaces with high ceilings and large windows, offering an abundance of natural light and panoramic views of the city skyline and the Chicago River. With its prime location in the heart of downtown, the OPO Building provides easy access to major transportation hubs, including Union Station and multiple CTA lines, making it convenient for commuters. The building is home to a variety of amenities, including restaurants, a fitness center, and collaborative workspaces, creating a vibrant and dynamic work environment in one of Chicago's most iconic areas.

Cboe is seeking a Director, Assistant General Counsel – Intellectual Property to provide legal support globally to all levels of the organization regarding intellectual property. This position will also provide legal support with respect to emerging risks, as well as other regulatory frameworks applicable to global exchange operators. In fulfilling these duties, this position will also collaborate with and manage outside counsel and other experts as necessary. Further, depending on the division’s needs and the individual’s interests, the position may also provide the opportunity to gain experience in other legal areas relating to Cboe’s diverse businesses. As an operator of exchanges and other trading venues, Cboe operates in a highly regulated environment and compliance by Cboe with its legal and regulatory obligations is paramount in the conduct of its business. This position is in Chicago, Illinois.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Protect, manage, and leverage Cboe intellectual property (IP) with patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other means through the development and execution of comprehensive IP strategies aligned with Cboe business objectives, priorities, and risk tolerance while supporting innovation in a highly regulated environment, by among other things:
• Managing IP legal work within the Legal Division.
• Preparing and prosecuting patent applications and related filings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Preparing and prosecuting trademark applications and related filings before the USPTO.
• Assessing patent/trademark registrability and freedom to operate.
• Managing external counsel on IP matters, including U.S. and foreign prosecution and IP litigation and disputes.
• Reviewing IP contract provisions.
• Conducting IP due diligence.
• Developing and implementing IP-related policies and processes.
• Providing IP counsel to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Providing education to stakeholders regarding IP.
• Stay current on IP developments.
• Partner across the organization to support the IP program and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders involved in IP-related matters.
• Support Cboe’s IP initiatives, including protection of inventions, marketing review, competitive landscape analysis, and response to fraudulent or impermissible use of Cboe IP.
• Assist with management of outside counsel and collaborate with Cboe stakeholders on IP protection and portfolio management (e.g., invention harvesting, prosecution and maintenance, portfolio optimization, risk assessment, and regulatory reporting).
• Advise on IP issues related to financial technology, software, AI/ML, data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital platforms.
• Maintain fluency with domestic and international IP laws and regulations impacting Cboe as a financial institution. As needed, provide business and risk partners strategic legal counsel that not only meets current requirements, but anticipates changes (to law and/or technology) to better maintain business flexibility and efficiency.
• Provide counsel on Cboe responses to litigation, administrative actions, regulatory, and other inquiries concerning IP, technology, branding, and related matters.
• Use AI, as appropriate, to improve efficiency while maintaining high-quality IP legal work.
• Provide legal support in respect of other areas of emerging risk, such as sanctions and trade controls, anti-money laundering rules and regulations, compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and other similar areas requiring coordinated and company-wide compliance programs.
• Assist with various legal projects across the Legal Division and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum of 8 years of experience as a registered attorney, of which at least 5 years must be experience as a patent attorney supporting technology-driven businesses, with a focus on software and other technology. Experience with intellectual property, particularly patents, related to and previous employment with highly regulated institutions, including financial institutions, is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing and in interactions with internal and external contacts.
• Sophisticated knowledge of U.S. intellectual property laws related to patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets (EU is a plus).
• Ability to create and execute detailed project plans and effectively collaborate with stakeholders.
• Prior employment in financial services, experience with IP litigation and administrative proceedings, and familiarity with international intellectual property laws.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to articulate complex concepts with the level of detail that is necessary for various regulatory and other written communications.
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively in group situations; offer assistance and support to co-workers; balance team and individual responsibilities; exhibit objectivity and openness to others' views; give and welcome feedback.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments; strong time management experience and skills; and ability to complete multiple tasks simultaneously with accuracy and quality, to adjust to changes in priorities and situations, and to meet deadlines.
• Member in good standing of at least one state bar association.

Education/License(s)

• Bachelor’s Degree and Juris Doctorate.
• Licensed to practice law.
• USPTO registration.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook, as well as document management and other office technologies.

Benefits And Perks Of Working For Cboe Global Markets

We value the total wellbeing of our people – including health, financial, personal and social wellness. We believe standard benefits like health insurance and fair pay are a given at any organization. Still, you should know we offer:
Fair and competitive salary and incentive compensation packages with an upside for overachievement Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, sick days and annual community service days Flexible, hybrid work environment Health, dental and vision benefits, including access to telemedicine and mental health services 2:1 401(k) match, up to 8% match immediately upon hire Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan Tax Savings Accounts for health, dependent and transportation Employee referral bonus program Volunteer opportunities to help you give back to your communities.
Some of our associates’ favorite benefits and perks include:
Complimentary lunch, snacks and coffee in any Cboe office Paid Tuition assistance and education opportunities Generous charitable giving company match Paid parental leave and fertility benefits On-site gyms and discounts to other fitness centers Paid Time Off

More About Cboe Global Markets

We’re reimagining the future of the workplace by focusing on what matters most, our people. Our journey is an inclusive one. We’re investing deeply in leadership programs and career development initiatives that ensure everyone has an equal chance to succeed. We work with purpose, solving problems with ingenuity, collaboration, and a lot of passion. We’re an engaged and excited team connecting markets across borders and embracing growth in all its forms to achieve incredible outcomes. Learn more about life at Cboe on our website and LinkedIn.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any legally protected characteristic, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status. We are committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Salary Ranges (applicable for US locations only)

At Cboe, we are committed to providing a competitive, transparent, and market‑informed total rewards program. The anticipated base salary range for this role is $-$, with actual compensation determined by job‑related factors such as skills, relevant experience, education, internal alignment, and location. This role may also be eligible for annual incentive compensation and, where applicable, participation in Cboe's long-term equity programs. Additional information about Cboe's total rewards program, including benefits and other compensation components, can be found here: Total Rewards at CBOE.