Patent Attorney – Engineering & Product Development

Johnson Health Tech Companies; Town of Cottage Grove (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

PTO

HSA options

Employee product discounts

Job summary

Johnson Health Tech seeks a Patent Litigation and Regulatory Compliance Manager in Wisconsin to lead patent litigation, prosecute patent applications, and defend the company's IP portfolio for its product innovations.

You will engage with industry regulatory bodies, coordinate with outside counsel, and help steer regulatory compliance while expanding Johnson Health Tech's IP strategy across global markets.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biomechanics, or another technical field.
• Active admission to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
• Qualified to practice as a Patent Attorney before the USPTO.

Responsibilities

• Lead patent litigation matters and coordinate with outside counsel when needed.
• Prepare for USPTO proceedings and manage IP enforcement strategies.
• Review patents for potential purchase, licensing, or challenges.
• Collaborate with R&D and regulatory teams to protect Johnson's intellectual property.

Skills

Communication

Legal analysis

Patent prosecution

IP litigation

Team collaboration

Travel flexibility

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Engineering/technical degree

Active US bar admission

USPTO registration eligible

Tools

Patent databases

Job description

Who We Are

Johnson Health Tech is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing fitness equipment manufacturers, delivering innovative solutions that help people live healthier lives. Through our award-winning portfolio of commercial and residential brands, we serve customers in more than 60 countries worldwide.

We are driven by our mission to delight and excite our customers through truly innovative products, exceptional service, and best-in-class customer experience. We believe in creating a culture that is Fun. Flexible. Friendly. while empowering our employees to make a meaningful impact on our customers, teams, and communities.

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Patent & Advanced Mechanics Manager, the Patent Litigation and Regulatory Compliance Manager will take a leadership role in protecting and defending the company’s intellectual property, with primary responsibility for patent litigation, patent prosecution, and IP enforcement. Performs patent searches on product innovations our product teams are developing, reviews status of patentable innovations on behalf of the brand companies and submits patent applications to the US Patent Office to protect the company’s intellectual property.

As a secondary function, the role also participates in the creation and improvement of industry consensus standards by engaging with industry regulatory groups in the United States and elsewhere in the world, and acts as a liaison between industry regulatory bodies and Johnson, providing guidance and clarifying interpretation of the standards for the Product and R&D teams as required.

This is a non-supervisory position.

Responsibilities

Job Function 1: Patent Litigation

• Lead and manage patent litigation matters on behalf of Johnson, including representing Johnson in court, and drafting briefs and other litigation documents without the need to utilize outside counsel.
• Provide documents and information supporting Johnson’s position in any ongoing patent litigation.
• Direct and prepare for litigation and USPTO proceedings (such as the Inter Partes Review process), working closely with outside counsel when necessary.
• Evaluate infringement claims against and by Johnson, and recommend enforcement or defense strategy.
• Conduct patent searches and create/submit patent applications to the US Patent Office.
• Review patents and applications for purchase, licensing, or challenge opportunities as time allows.

Product Development:

• Assist design engineers in developing designs that are novel and non-obvious.
• Act as a liaison between R&D team at JHTNA and Intellectual Property team at JHT (Headquarter Taiwan).
• Perform patent searches.
• Meet all patent application milestones and deadlines.
• Work with brands to protect prototypes and inventions from public showings.
• Create and apply for design and utility patent.
• Work under minimal supervision.

Job Function 2: Regulatory Compliance (After On-Job-Training)

• Participate in the creation and improvement of industry consensus standards.
• Provide interpretation of the standards for the Product and R&D teams as required.
• Review prototypes and product designs with the Product and R&D teams for preliminary regulatory compliance.
• Utilize knowledge of industry standards to suggest future design opportunities.

Other Job Functions:

• Other projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education & Licensing:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biomechanics, or another technical field.
• Active admission to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
• Qualified to practice as a Patent Attorney before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Experience:

• Experience reading, analyzing, and interpreting patents.
• Experience supporting patent prosecution, patent litigation, intellectual property matters, or related legal work.
• Ability to understand complex technical concepts and communicate them effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including engineers, business leaders, outside counsel, and regulatory bodies.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education & Licensing:

• Admission to the Wisconsin State Bar or willingness and ability to obtain Wisconsin licensure.

Experience:

• 2+ years of patent litigation experience.
• Experience leading patent litigation matters from filing through resolution, including Inter Partes Review (IPR) and other USPTO proceedings.
• Experience with trademarks, copyrights, and broader intellectual property portfolio management.
• Experience with product liability matters, litigation support, or coordination with outside counsel.
• Experience with regulatory compliance programs, preferably in a manufacturing, consumer products, medical device, or technical industry.
• Experience interpreting and applying complex or evolving regulatory standards.

Industry & Technical Knowledge:

• Background in product development, engineering innovation, or technical R&D environments.
• Familiarity with domestic and international patent strategy and intellectual property protection.
• Exposure to industry standards, safety regulations, or regulatory compliance related to engineered products.

Work Environment

This role requires onsite attendance five days per week in a typical office environment with moderate noise levels. This position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work arrangements. Occasional work-related travel may be required.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance and AD&D coverage
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• FSA and HSA options
• Employee product discounts, wellness resources, and employee assistance programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.