Intellectual Property Counsel

ThinkingAhead Executive Search

United States

Remote

USD 180,000 - 250,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Dynamic team environment

Opportunity for career growth

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced IP Counsel to shape the IP strategy of an innovative startup at the intersection of travel and property. The role is fully remote, with responsibilities including patent prosecution and the management of trademark strategies. This position requires a J.D. and 5+ years of relevant legal experience, especially in software and AI fields. Competitive compensation includes a $180,000 salary, potential $250,000 upon milestones, and equity grants. Join a dynamic team focused on innovation in AI technology.

Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years experience focusing on patent prosecution in software or AI.
Member in good standing of a state bar.
Registration to practice before the USPTO is required.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive global IP strategy.
Manage all aspects of domestic and international patent prosecution.
Conduct ongoing freedom-to-operate and patentability assessments.

Skills

Patent drafting

Strategic thinking

Knowledge of IP laws

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Undergraduate or graduate degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

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Our client is an innovative, early-stage technology startup at the intersection of travel (travetech) and property (proptech). We are building a disruptive platform that uses proprietary AI to optimize short‑term rental management and pricing for high‑end rental properties. We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Intellectual Property Counsel to build and manage our IP portfolio from the ground up, protecting our core technological innovations and brand identity.

Role: IP Counsel

You will be the first dedicated IP Counsel, serving as a critical strategic partner to the Executive team, Engineering, and Product teams. You will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive global IP strategy, primarily focusing on patents, but also encompassing trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, all while navigating the fast‑paced, high‑growth environment of an early‑stage startup.

Location

Fully Remote

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and manage a proactive, cost‑effective global IP strategy tailored to our travetech/proptech business model and long‑term goals.
Establish and lead an invention harvesting program by regularly interfacing with engineers and product developers to identify and document patentable subject matter.
Manage all aspects of domestic and international patent prosecution, including working with outside counsel to draft applications, respond to office actions, and conduct landscape analysis.
Develop a strategy for global trademark clearance, prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement to protect the company’s brand, logos, and product names.
Implement policies and procedures to ensure the identification and robust protection of critical trade secrets and proprietary information.
Conduct ongoing freedom‑to‑operate, competitive landscape, and patentability assessments for new product features and market entries.
Proactively monitor the competitive landscape and assess potential IP infringement risks (inbound and outbound).
Support corporate development and finance teams with IP‑related due diligence for potential investments, M&A, and partnership opportunities.
Draft, review, and negotiate IP‑related clauses in commercial agreements, including NDAs, supplier contracts, vendor agreements, and joint development agreements.
Develop and deliver internal training programs to educate employees on IP best practices, disclosure procedures, and trade secret protection.

Qualifications

Required

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Member in good standing of at least one state bar.
Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
5+ years of combined experience in a law firm and/or in‑house corporate legal department, with a primary focus on patent drafting and prosecution in software, AI/ML, or computer science domains.
Proven ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, ambiguous startup environment and effectively manage multiple priorities with limited resources.

Preferred

Undergraduate or graduate degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Experience with travetech, proptech, SaaS, or e‑commerce platforms.
Experience managing international IP portfolios (PCT and foreign national filings).

Why Join Us?

Be the founding IP leader and shape the future of a rapidly growing, well‑funded startup.
Work directly with cutting‑edge technologies in AI and data‑driven marketplace platforms.
Join a dynamic, supportive team with a strong focus on execution and continuous learning.

Compensation

Initial Base Salary: $180,000 per year.
Performance Conversion: Option to convert to a base salary of $250,000 per year upon achieving mutually agreed‑upon milestones (details to be provided in the full offer).
Equity Grant: 5% equity grant.
- Vesting: 3‑year vesting period.
- Cliff: 1‑year cliff

Interviews will begin as soon as qualified candidates are identified. Please submit cover letter and resume to Brian Vogt at ThinkingAhead bvogt@thinkingahead.com for consideration. Confidentiality and discretion are assured.

Seniority level