Lead Counsel - Intellectual Property

Global Payments Inc.; Alpharetta (GA); On-site; USD 186,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligible

Job summary

Global Payments Inc. is seeking a Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property to lead patent prosecution and IP-driven commercial transactions. You will shape the global IP strategy, manage outside counsel, and advise on licensing, SaaS, and collaboration agreements in a fast-paced technology environment.

The role requires a J.D. from an ABA‑accredited school, USPTO registration, and 8+ years in patent prosecution/IP counseling, with experience overseeing global portfolios and cross‑functional

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in patent prosecution and IP counseling.
• Experience managing outside patent counsel and global IP portfolios.
• Admission to practice before the USPTO and bar admission in at least one US state.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage global patent prosecution strategies aligned with technology roadmap.
• Oversee preparation, filing, and prosecution of US and international patent applications.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related commercial agreements (licenses, SaaS, development & collaboration).
• Provide IP counseling to engineering, product, and business teams; support IP enforcement and disputes.

Skills

IP counseling

Patent prosecution

Global portfolios

External counsel mgmt

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

US Bar admission

USPTO registration

Job description

Job Description

Ready to take your career global? Make your mark at one of the biggest names in payments. We’re looking for a Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property to join our ever evolving Legal team and help shape the future of global commerce.

What you’ll own

This role will play a critical part in supporting the company’s innovation and technology strategy, with a primary focus on patent prosecution and intellectual‑property‑driven commercial transactions. The successful candidate will combine deep technical and IP experience with strong business judgment and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, global technology environment. This position is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and to serve as a subject‑matter expert on patent and IP issues within the company. The position offers a senior attorney the rare opportunity to lead innovation strategy while also maintaining high visibility with senior leaders.

Patent Prosecution & Portfolio Strategy

• Develop and manage global patent prosecution strategies aligned with Global Payments’ technology and product roadmap.
• Oversee preparation, filing, and prosecution of U.S. and international patent applications.
• Manage outside patent counsel and external service providers.
• Partner with engineering and product teams to evaluate invention disclosures and advise on patent strategy.

Intellectual Property Commercial Matters

• Draft, review, and negotiate IP‑related commercial agreements, including technology licenses, SaaS agreements, development and collaboration agreements, and strategic partnerships.
• Advise internal stakeholders on IP ownership, licensing structures, and risk allocation.
• Support IP‑related aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investments.

Counseling & Collaboration

• Provide practical IP counseling to engineering, product, and business teams.
• Support IP enforcement, disputes, and coordination with litigation counsel as needed.
• Contribute to broader legal department initiatives and process improvements.

What you bring

• J.D. from an ABA‑accredited law school and admission to at least one U.S. state bar.
• Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• 8+ years of experience in patent prosecution and IP counseling, including law firm and/or in‑house experience.
• Experience managing outside patent counsel and global IP portfolios.

Its a bonus if you have

• Technical background in software, computer science, or electrical engineering.
• Experience in technology, payments, financial services, or SaaS industries.
• Experience with international IP strategy and cross‑border transactions.

About The Team

Our inclusive and global teams win together every day. We’re proud to have the best minds in the industry, who you can learn from as you grow your career. The people, the energy, the connections – it’s unmatched. Come and be part of an ever‑evolving company and get dynamic opportunities that go beyond borders.

What makes a Globalpayer

Globalpayers think like a client, act like an owner and win as one team. We’re curious and innovative –always finding better ways to deliver impact. We empower each other to make decisions, and it’s our passion that drives excellence in everything we set out to do.

Salary

$186,000.00 - $220,000.00

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.

Benefits

• Global Payments offers a comprehensive benefits package to all of our team members, including medical, dental and vision care, EAP programs, paid time off, recognition programs, retirement and investment options, charitable gift matching programs, and worldwide days of service.

Application deadline

Please note that the deadline for applications is December 2nd, 2026

Candidates and applicants are advised they may redact age information from requested items like transcripts, resumes, and certificates attached to their application for positions that can be performed in Colorado.

This position is eligible for bonus.

BJ1

This position is eligible for bonus. Candidates and applicants are advised they may redact age information from requested items like transcripts, resumes, and certificates attached to their application for positions that can be performed in Colorado.

EEOC Statement

Global Payments is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, genetic information, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics. The EEO is the Law poster is available here.

If you are made a conditional offer of employment and will be working in the United States, you will be required to undergo a drug test. In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies and requirements needed to successfully perform the position. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with qualified disabilities both during the hiring process, as well as to allow the individual to perform the essential functions of the job, if hired.

Washington Candidates: Click here for information on the Fair Chance Act.