In-House Patent Attorney – Optics & Lithography

ASML; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

ASML in San Jose, CA seeks a Patent Attorney to develop and manage ASML's global patent portfolio in computational lithography, metrology, and inspection, reporting to the local Head of IP. You will work with engineers and management to align patent strategy with product goals, manage outside counsel, and provide risk assessments and freedom-to-operate analyses.

The role requires 3+ years of patent experience, US PTO registration, and a strong command of English, with domestic and international

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physical sciences, or equivalent.
• 3+ years of patent drafting and prosecution experience.
• Must be licensed to practice before the US Patent Office.
• Must be licensed to practice law in at least one US state (California preferred).
• Experience with physics, optics, electron optics, or semiconductor processing preferred.
• Prior in-house experience is a plus.
• Strong English communication skills for complex legal/technical discussions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a global patent portfolio with invention disclosures and reviews.
• Manage outside counsel to prepare and prosecute patent applications and related papers.
• Contribute to ASML IP strategies including patent filing and product clearance.
• Perform freedom-to-operate analyses and assess third-party IP risks.
• Collaborate with engineers and management to align patents with business goals.
• Provide IP counsel to business teams and conduct periodic training on IP matters.
• Assist with inbound/outbound patent licenses when needed.

Skills

Patent law

Patent prosecution

Legal analysis

English communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/physical sciences

Advanced degree in physics (plus in optics)

Tools

IP databases

MS Office suite

Job description

ASML in San Jose, CA seeks a Patent Attorney to develop and manage ASML's global patent portfolio in computational lithography, metrology, and inspection, reporting to the local Head of IP. You will work with engineers and management to align patent strategy with product goals, manage outside counsel, and provide risk assessments and freedom-to-operate analyses.

The role requires 3+ years of patent experience, US PTO registration, and a strong command of English, with domestic and international