Patent Counsel: IP Strategy & Litigation Lead

Whirlpool Corporation; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits

Employee discount

Education reimbursement

Office amenities

Job summary

Whirlpool Corporation in Benton Harbor, MI seeks an experienced Patent Counsel to lead patents, trade secrets, and innovation protection across its business units. You will report to the Legal Director, Patents & Intellectual Property Litigation, and influence product leadership and strategic negotiations.

Role requires JD with Bar admission, 3+ years in IP law, and ability to collaborate with engineering and business teams.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and Bar Admission are required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field is preferred.
• 3+ years of IP law experience, including patents, litigation, IP transactions, and portfolio management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement intellectual property protection strategies for Whirlpool innovations.
• Advise on patent strategy, manage filing, prosecution, and maintenance of Whirlpool’s global patent portfolio.
• Negotiate IP-related contracts, including M&A, confidentiality, development, and license agreements, and assist with general commercial agreements.
• Investigate and pursue opportunities to enforce Whirlpool’s IP and monetize IP assets.
• Establish product clearance plans and review freedom-to-operate risks.
• Provide IP advice and training to engineering and business teams.
• Improve processes and systems to deliver a sophisticated IP strategy within the law department.

Skills

Patent strategy

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Clear communication

Legal drafting

Education

JD from accredited law school

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Patent databases

Job description

Whirlpool Corporation in Benton Harbor, MI seeks an experienced Patent Counsel to lead patents, trade secrets, and innovation protection across its business units. You will report to the Legal Director, Patents & Intellectual Property Litigation, and influence product leadership and strategic negotiations.

Role requires JD with Bar admission, 3+ years in IP law, and ability to collaborate with engineering and business teams.