Senior Counsel - Intellectual Property

Global Payments Inc.; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Payments Inc. is seeking a Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property to shape the company’s global IP strategy, focusing on patent prosecution and IP-driven commercial transactions. You will lead worldwide patent efforts and work with senior leadership to align technology with business goals.

The role requires a strong technical background, 8+ years of experience, and the ability to influence across geographies while managing external counsel and strategic partnerships.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school is required.
• Admission to USPTO is required.
• 8+ years in patent prosecution and IP counseling.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage global patent prosecution strategies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements.
• Provide IP counseling to engineering, product and business teams; support IP enforcement.

Skills

Patent prosecution

IP counseling

Licensing & contracts

External counsel management

Education

J.D. (ABA-accredited law school)

USPTO admission

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.

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.

Does this sound like you? Then you sound like a Globalpayer.