Intellectual Property, Associate Counsel

Stryker; Kalamazoo (MI); Remote; USD 149,000 - 329,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Intellectual Property Associate Counsel to provide legal support for innovative medical technology. This role is pivotal in shaping the IP strategy, managing complex agreements, and advising on critical IP law matters. With a focus on collaboration across various departments, you will play a key role in navigating the complexities of patents, trademarks, and copyrights in a fast-paced environment. If you have a strong background in IP law and a passion for technology, this position offers a unique opportunity to impact the future of healthcare.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Life Insurance

Wellness Programs

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in IP law.
• Registration to practice before the USPTO preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing and implementing IP strategy.
• Draft and negotiate complex IP agreements.
• Advise on patentability and freedom to operate issues.

Skills

Intellectual Property Law

Patent Law

Trade Secrets

Trademarks

Copyrights

Licensing Agreements

Freedom to Operate Analysis

Legal Negotiation

Collaboration Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

Join to apply for the Intellectual Property, Associate Counsel role at Stryker.

This role provides intellectual property ("IP") legal support to Stryker’s care.ai business, including communication and data-generating medical devices. The role collaborates with the divisional IP team to develop and execute the IP strategy, advises internal clients, and manages outside counsel on issues such as patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, open source, agreements, freedom to operate analysis, M&A, and IP risk mitigation. The role works closely with IP managers, litigation counsels, business counsels, R&D, business development, and commercial leadership.

This is a remote position, with a preference for candidates located in Orlando, FL, Kalamazoo, MI, or San Jose, CA. Up to 30% travel may be required.

What you will do:

• Assist with developing and implementing IP strategy
• Draft, negotiate, and advise on complex IP agreements, including licenses and provisions in commercial agreements
• Counsel on patentability and freedom to operate issues
• Coordinate patent portfolio development and management
• Collaborate on IP litigation and disputes
• Support IP diligence for acquisitions
• Advise on IP law matters, including patents, trade secrets, copyrights, and trademarks
• Develop and deliver IP training

What you will need:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering/science, biomedical engineering, or equivalent
• Juris Doctor degree and membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar
• 10+ years of relevant experience

Preferred:

• Registration to practice before the USPTO
• Legal experience in IP law, focusing on digital, AI, and software-enabled technologies
• Expertise in patent clearance and freedom-to-operate analysis
• Experience negotiating technology agreements
• Proven record in patent prosecution for digital and software technologies
• Strong collaboration skills within matrixed organizations
• Ability to build relationships at all organizational levels
• Commitment to integrity and high ethical standards
• Ability to manage multiple projects in fast-paced environments

Salary ranges from $149,300 to $329,000 plus bonuses and benefits, based on location, skills, and experience.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity insurances, HSA, FSA, 401(k), ESPP, life and disability insurance, and wellness programs.

Stryker operates in MedSurg, Neurotechnology, Orthopaedics, and Spine, impacting over 150 million patients annually. Some roles may require vaccinations based on customer requirements.