IP Legal Counsel

Alcon; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Alcon IP Counsel in Fort Worth, TX supports the Legal and Compliance team on intellectual property matters related to medical devices and manufacturing technologies.

You will manage invention disclosures, prosecute patent applications before the USPTO, assess freedom-to-operate, and collaborate with engineers and business partners to provide practical IP guidance. Travel is occasional, and a JD with US bar admission is required.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and US bar admission.
• 7+ years of experience practicing patent law and prosecution.
• Strong communication skills in English and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Manage invention disclosures and patent portfolio development.
• Prepare and prosecute patent applications before the USPTO.
• Conduct due diligence, freedom-to-operate assessments, and licensing reviews.
• Collaborate with engineers and business teams on IP strategy.
• Draft, negotiate, and review IP-related agreements.
• Provide support for IP litigation and administrative proceedings.
• Deliver internal IP training and respond to inquiries.
• Occasional domestic or international travel.

Skills

Patent prosecution

IP portfolio management

Contract drafting

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Engineering degree

Tools

USPTO practice

IP litigation support tools

Job description

IP Legal Counsel

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers. We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. As IP Counsel supporting our Legal and Compliance team, you will be trusted to work on intellectual property matters related to medical devices and manufacturing technologies in our Fort Worth, TX office.

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Manage invention disclosures, including collecting and screening disclosures, conducting inventor interviews, presenting disclosures at patent committee meetings, and making recommendations
• Prepare, prosecute, and manage a global patent portfolio, including direct preparation and prosecution of patent applications before the USPTO and managing outside counsel in the US and abroad
• Conduct due diligence and freedom‑to‑operate assessments related to product development, M&A, and licensing activities
• Conduct strategic assessments of competitor products and IP portfolios
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and counsel a variety of clients on IP and other legal issues
• Draft, negotiate, and review IP‑related agreements
• Provide support on IP litigation and administrative patent proceedings, including reexaminations and oppositions
• Conduct internal training on IP issues and processes
• Occasional domestic or foreign travel

What you’ll bring to Alcon:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school+15 yrs. Assoc.+11 yrs.; M.S.+4 yrs.; PhD+3 yrs.)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English
• 7 Years of Relevant Experience

ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Undergraduate or post‑graduate degree in engineering discipline, with strong academic performance
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school, with strong academic performance
• Admission to at least one U.S. state bar and registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
• 4-7 years’ experience practicing patent law at a reputable law firm
• Demonstrated ability interact effectively with stakeholders and provide practical, business‑oriented legal advice
• Preferably, working knowledge of patent law in international jurisdictions and experience with patent conflicts, including reexaminations, EPO oppositions, and/or patent litigation

HOW YOU CAN THRIVE AT ALCON:

See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities. Join Alcon’s mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career! Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off for exempt associates, PTO for hourly associates, and much more!

ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

At Alcon, we are committed to helping people see better. We believe patients should have access to quality eye care regardless of their economic circumstances; however, barriers to good eye health exist for patients in both developed and emerging markets.

Alcon develops and manufactures innovative devices to serve the full life cycle of eye care needs.

Its surgical group is one of the largest makers of equipment used for cataract removal and laser vision correction.

Its consumer products include the well‑known Opti‑Free line of contact lens solutions and related products.

Alcon, which was founded in 1945, sells its products in 180 countries worldwide.