Senior Counsel - Intellectual Property

Global Payments Inc.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 186,000 - 280,800; Full time

Job summary

Global Payments Inc. is seeking a Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property to support its global innovation and technology strategy. You will lead patent prosecution and IP-driven transactions, collaborating with engineering and product teams in a fast-paced tech environment.

The role requires a JD, USPTO admission, 8+ years in patent prosecution and IP counseling, and experience managing outside counsel. This is a high-visibility senior attorney position within the Legal team.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school and admission to at least one U.S. state bar.
• Admission to practice before the USPTO.
• 8+ years of experience in patent prosecution and IP counseling.
• Experience managing outside patent counsel and global IP portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage global patent prosecution strategies aligned with technology roadmap.
• Oversee filing and prosecution of U.S. and international patent applications.
• Draft, review and negotiate IP-related commercial agreements and licenses.
• Provide IP counseling to engineering, product, and business teams.

Skills

Patent prosecution

IP counseling

Managing outside counsel

Global IP portfolio management

IP strategy

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

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.

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.

Salary & Benefits

For this full‑time position, the good faith estimated annual salary range upon hire is $186,000.00‑$280,800.00. This range reflects what we reasonably expect to offer based on the role’s responsibilities, level, and geographic location. The actual starting salary will be determined by a candidate’s experience, job‑related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for bonus. Candidates and applicants may redact age information from requested items for positions performed in Colorado.

EEOC Statement

Worldpay 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. 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.