Patent Attorney, Corporate Counsel

Caterpillar; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 136,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Patent Attorney to join their IP team in Peoria, IL. The candidate will manage patent applications, collaborate globally, and provide guidance on patent-related issues. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, along with a J.D. and Bar admissions. This role offers a competitive salary, benefits, and the opportunity to be part of a leading global company focused on building a sustainable future.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Employee Assistance Program

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

• J.D. with strong academic credentials required.
• Active Bar admission in any U.S. state required.
• Active USPTO Bar admission required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with patent attorneys on applications globally.
• Manage outside counsel for patent applications.
• Research patent issues and support interdepartmental initiatives.

Skills

Risk Management

Decision Making

Effective Communications

Managing Multiple Priorities

Problem Solving

Resource Management

Legal Analysis

Legal Function

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Career Area:

Legal and Compliance

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you'rejoining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don'tjust talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

This is Caterpillar

The Caterpillar IP team is seeking an experienced Patent Attorney to have broad international exposure to IP matters and work closely with colleagues spread over the globe. The role requires a highly motivated individual that is looking for autonomy and flexibility but is also looking to be part of an enthusiastic team.

What You Will Do:

• Collaborate with business unit-aligned patent attorneys to manage patent-obtaining work, including the preparation and prosecution of patent applications around the world
• Manage outside counsel in the preparation of most work and personally prepare patent applications and responses to office actions as needed
• Partner with attorneys, engineers, service providers, and other team members to protect Caterpillar’s inventions
• Perform research and analysis, provide guidance on patent issues, and act as a liaison for interdepartmental initiatives
• Work in close coordination with attorneys to identify patents and develop patent applications in preparation for enforcement activity

What You Have:

• Risk Management: Knowledge of processes, tools and techniques for assessing and controlling an organization's exposure to risks of various kinds; ability to apply knowledge of risk management appropriately to diverse situations
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors
• Managing Multiple Priorities: Knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation
• Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations
• Resource Management: Knowledge of the resources required to achieve business objectives; ability to plan, mobilize and distribute resources to fulfill business objectives and plans
• Legal Analysis: Knowledge of methods and tools used in legal analysis; ability to read, interpret and draw accurate conclusions from both legal and factual information
• Legal Function: Knowledge of the major responsibilities, accountabilities, and organization of the legal function or department; ability to provide legal consulting, advice and assistance

Top Candidate Will Also Have:

• Experience with patent protection related to construction equipment or automotive technology
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills

Basic Requirements:

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials
• Active Bar admission in any U.S. state
• Active USPTO Bar admission

Additional Info:

• This position requires the selected candidate to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the Peoria, IL or Irving, TX office
• Domestic relocation assistance is available for those who qualify
• Sponsorship is not available
• International and Domestic travel up to 10%

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Final details:

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

#LI

Summary Pay Range:

$136,320.00 - $204,480.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location,job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

May 30, 2025 - June 8, 2025

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

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