Intellectual Property Attorney

Adobe; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 149,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Adobe is seeking a seasoned IP Counsel to manage a world-class patent portfolio and steer outside counsel to align with business goals. You will develop IP strategies for product teams, educate researchers on patent issues, and advise on licensing, open source, and standards matters.

You will collaborate with engineers, researchers, and executives to shape Adobe’s IP and tech strategy, evaluating acquisition opportunities and AI-driven IP workflows in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. required with active bar membership.
• B.S. in CS or EE strongly preferred.
• 5–8 years in patent prep/prosecution, licensing, and IP counseling.
• Experience with IP pre-litigation or litigation is a plus.
• Strong understanding of software architecture and AI/ML.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to engage with standards and collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Manage a world-class patent portfolio and outside counsel to meet quality standards and business goals.
• Develop IP strategies for Adobe's business and product teams to protect IP assets.
• Educate researchers and engineers on patent/IP issues.
• Counsel internal clients on IP risks and resolution strategies.
• Negotiate patent licenses and joint collaboration agreements with companies or universities.
• Advise on open source issues, standards participation, and IP provisions in agreements.
• Evaluate patent demands, licensing assertions, and potential acquisitions.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate AI tools into IP workflows.

Skills

Patent portfolio management

IP strategy

Project leadership

Negotiation

Patent bar membership

Education

J.D. degree

B.S. in computer science or electrical engineering

Job description

The opportunity The candidate will join a tight-knit team leading Adobe’s IP effort. You’ll partner with engineers, researchers, product managers, and executives to devise and implement the company’s IP strategy. You’ll also partner with other legal teams on licensing, standardization, pre-litigation disputes, negotiations, and transactional deals. Finally, you’ll manage outside counsel to ensure we have the highest quality of patent portfolio. Our passion will be your passion as we strive to champion Adobe’s technologies.

What you’ll do

• Manage a world-class patent portfolio and outside counsel to ensure work meets our quality standards and our business goals
• Develop IP strategies for business and product teams at Adobe to secure and protect IP in those areas
• Educate and train researchers and engineers on patent and other IP issues
• Counsel internal clients on IP risks and resolution strategies
• Negotiate patent licenses and joint collaboration agreements with companies or universities
• Advise on open source issues, Adobe’s participation in standards development, and IP-related provisions in agreements, including partnership agreements and technology licenses
• Evaluate and negotiate patent demands and licensing assertions from third parties
• Evaluate potential patent acquisitions
• Identify and champion opportunities to incorporate AI tools into IP workflows

What you need to succeed

• A “Yes Starts Here” attitude – we help Adobe teams find solutions
• Strong ability to lead projects from A to Z – there are no challenges too big or too small
• The applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, and be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction).
• BS degree with a strong academic record (computer science or electrical engineering strongly preferred)
• Patent bar membership
• 5-8 years of related work experience, specifically in patent preparation and prosecution, patent licensing, and IP counseling.
• Experience in handling IP pre-litigation or litigation matters is a plus
• Excellent understanding of software architecture and artificial intelligence/machine-learning
• Experience with business strategy, third-party issues, and standards is a plus
• Strong interpersonal skills and dedication to a team environment
• Demonstrated passion for the law and technology
• An open mind to dive into all types of issues

About Adobe

Adobe empowers everyone to create through innovative platforms and tools that unleash creativity, productivity and personalized customer experiences. Adobe’s industry-leading offerings including Adobe Acrobat Studio, Adobe Express, Adobe Firefly, Creative Cloud, Adobe Experience Platform, Adobe Experience Manager, and GenStudio enable people and businesses to turn ideas into impact, powered by AI and driven by human ingenuity.

Our 30,000+ employees worldwide are creating the future and raising the bar as we drive the next decade of growth. We’re on a mission to hire the very best and believe in creating a company culture where all employees are empowered to make an impact. At Adobe, we believe that great ideas can come from anywhere in the organization. The next big idea could be yours. Let’s Adobe together At Adobe, we believe in creating a company culture where all employees are empowered to make an impact. Learn more about Adobe life, including our values and culture, focus on people, purpose and community, Adobe for All, comprehensive benefits programs, the stories we tell, the customers we serve, and how you can help us advance our mission of empowering everyone to create. Adobe is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Learn more. Adobe aims to make our Careers website and recruiting process accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, email [e-mail].

AI Use Guidelines for Interviews

Our interviews are designed to reflect your own skills and thinking. The use of AI or recording tools during live interviews is not permitted unless explicitly invited by the interviewer or approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation. If these tools are used inappropriately or in a way that misrepresents your work, your application may not move forward in the process. At Adobe, we empower employees to innovate with AI — and we look for candidates eager to do the same. As part of the hiring experience, we provide clear guidance on where AI is encouraged during the process and where it’s restricted during live interviews. See how we think about AI in the hiring experience.

Expected Pay Range

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this positionis $114,600 - $215,200 annually. Paywithin this range varies by work locationand may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills,and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process. In California, the pay range for this position is $148,600 - $215,200 At Adobe, for sales roles starting salaries are expressed as total target compensation (TTC = base + commission), and short-term incentives are in the form of sales commission plans. Non-sales roles starting salaries are expressed as base salary and short-term incentives are in the form of the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP). In addition, certain roles may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of a new hire equity award.

State-Specific Notices

California: Fair Chance Ordinances Adobe will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and “fair chance” ordinances.

Colorado: Application Window Notice If this role is open to hiring in Colorado (as listed on the job posting), the application window will remain open until at least the date and time stated above in Pacific Time, in compliance with Colorado pay transparency regulations. If this role does not have Colorado listed as a hiring location, no specific application window applies, and the posting may close at any time based on hiring needs.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts Legal Notice It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

At Adobe, you will be immersed in an exceptional work environment that is recognized around the world. You will also be surrounded by colleagues who are committed to helping each other grow through our unique Check-In approach where ongoing feedback flows freely. If you’re looking to make an impact, Adobe’s the place for you. Discover what our employees are saying about their career experiences on the Adobe Life blog and explore the meaningful benefits we offer. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to Adobe. Take the quiz and see how well you know us! Adobe is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Learn more. Adobe aims to make Adobe.com accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, email [e-mail].