IP Counsel, Science & Tech — Hybrid Role

Mars; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health & wellbeing programs

Paid time off

Job summary

Mars Snacking seeks an IP Counsel to lead IP strategy and patent prosecution for key technology platforms at its Global Innovation Center in Chicago. You will collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and other business units to identify and protect IP assets, manage outside counsel, and guide freedom-to-operate analyses.

The role requires a J.D., USPTO admission, and 5+ years in IP law, with strong communication skills and a track record in drafting and negotiating R&D agreements.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong patent experience.
• Licensed to practice before USPTO.
• Undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Food Science, Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• 5+ years of IP-related legal experience; in-house experience is a plus.
• Strong written and oral communication; ability to interact with clients and leaders at all levels.
• Experience drafting and negotiating R&D agreements and advising on their use (preferred).
• Experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications.
• Experience conducting freedom-to-operate analyses and assessing third-party patent risk.
• Experience advising R&D clients on IP strategy, risks, and portfolio development.

Responsibilities

• Lead IP activities for Mars Snacking technology platforms, including patent drafting, filing, and prosecution.
• Manage outside counsel to coordinate patent portfolios globally.
• Provide IP strategy counselling to assigned R&D, Marketing, and Business groups.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related contracts and terms (consulting, MTAs, research, and joint development).
• Counsel on trade secrets and confidentiality matters.
• Collaborate with Law Department teammates to support transactions and client counselling.
• Develop IP training for innovation groups and business teams.

Skills

Communication

IP strategy

R&D agreements

Freedom-to-operate

Patent prosecution

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Science undergrad (Chemistry/Engineering/Biology)

USPTO bar admission

Job description

Mars Snacking seeks an IP Counsel to lead IP strategy and patent prosecution for key technology platforms at its Global Innovation Center in Chicago. You will collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and other business units to identify and protect IP assets, manage outside counsel, and guide freedom-to-operate analyses.

The role requires a J.D., USPTO admission, and 5+ years in IP law, with strong communication skills and a track record in drafting and negotiating R&D agreements.