Global IP Strategy Lead – Patents & Compliance

Formlabs Inc.; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity (RSUs)

Healthcare coverage (Medical, Dental,-

401K matching

Parental Leave

Sabbatical Leave

Pre-tax commuter benefits

On-site parking

Lunches and snacks

Professional development

Unlimited 3D prints

Job summary

Formlabs is seeking a Head of Intellectual Property in Somerville, MA to own the patent portfolio strategy and lead global IP initiatives. You'll work with R&D and inventors to guide future growth and advise on corporate, commercial, employment, and litigation matters as needed.

You'll draft, file, and prosecute patents with USPTO, EPO, CNIPA, perform FTO analyses, and manage outside counsel while collaborating across manufacturing and business teams. Equity and competitive benefits apply.

Qualifications

• J.D. and admission to at least one state bar, plus registration to practice before the USPTO (patent bar).
• Undergraduate degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field. You need to be able to read a claim chart and the underlying spec without a translator.
• Deep expertise in U.S. patent law, plus working knowledge of major international patent systems; experience with trademark and trade secret law.
• A track record in patent drafting, prosecution, and portfolio management, ideally where you can point to real decisions you made about what to file and what not to file.
• At least 3 years at a top-tier law firm focused on patent work.
• While you index on patent work, you’re excited about an expanded scope to learn to operate as a generalist, taking on whatever tasks the business requires.

Responsibilities

• Own patent portfolio value; build metrics to inform global strategy.
• Set global patent strategy U.S. and internationally.
• Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications with the USPTO and international offices (EPO, CNIPA).
• Run FTO analyses, patentability assessments, and portfolio risk reviews.
• Partner with R&D to catch inventions early.
• Manage outside counsel across prosecution, opinions, and disputes.
• Support IP litigation, opposition proceedings, and enforcement.
• Contribute to manufacturing, vendor, and supplier agreements.
• Take on generalist legal matters to support the business.

Skills

Patent drafting

Prosecution

Portfolio management

Bar admission

Engineering/Science background

Education

J.D. with patent bar (USPTO)

Engineering/Physics/Math degree

Job description

Formlabs is seeking a Head of Intellectual Property in Somerville, MA to own the patent portfolio strategy and lead global IP initiatives. You'll work with R&D and inventors to guide future growth and advise on corporate, commercial, employment, and litigation matters as needed.

You'll draft, file, and prosecute patents with USPTO, EPO, CNIPA, perform FTO analyses, and manage outside counsel while collaborating across manufacturing and business teams. Equity and competitive benefits apply.