Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property

Specialized Bicycle Components; Morgan Hill (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare plan options

401(k) Company Matching

Generous vacation and paid leave policies

Job summary

A prominent bicycle manufacturing company based in Morgan Hill, CA, seeks a strategic legal expert to lead their global intellectual property strategy. Responsibilities include managing complex IP portfolios and advising teams on IP risks. The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of experience and a J.D. from an accredited law school. The role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including annual performance reviews, healthcare plans, and generous leave policies.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of intellectual property-focused legal experience.
• Proven ability to drive and lead complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead global intellectual property strategy execution.
• Advise on IP risks and licensing opportunities.
• Manage IP litigation and dispute resolution.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team player

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Science or technology undergraduate degree

Job description

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Are you a strategic legal expert passionate about protecting innovation and shaping IP strategy across global teams? Do you thrive in dynamic fast‑paced environments where your insights guide leadership decisions and safeguard the company’s most valuable assets? Are you excited by the challenge of managing complex patent, trademark, and copyright portfolios while fostering a culture of compliance and creativity? If you answered "yes" to these questions, we want to talk to you!

How You’ll Make a Difference

• Lead the development and execution of strategic global intellectual property strategy, including patents, trademarks, copyrights.
• Advise leadership and cross‑functional product and engineering teams on IP risks, licensing, and commercialization opportunities.
• Manage IP‑related litigation, dispute resolution, and enforcement actions.
• Oversee patent and trademark filings, prosecution, and portfolio management.
• Draft, review, and negotiate various IP‑related agreements (e.g., licensing, technology transfer, non‑disclosure, strategic partnerships, supply chain).
• Ensure compliance with international IP laws and implement internal IP policies.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, product, and marketing teams around the world to identify and protect innovative assets.
• Educate and train teammates on IP best practices and risk mitigation.

What You Need To Win

• Strong negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills; experience with global IP issues.
• Proven ability to proactively spot issues, drive and lead complex projects and influence senior stakeholders, providing strategic yet practical and business‑oriented advice.
• Excellent organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously in a fast‑paced, innovative environment; strong willingness to learn and expand areas of expertise, comfort with ambiguity and risk.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to problem‑solving across cross‑functional groups and stakeholders.
• Team player willing to work collaboratively in a nimble and agile legal team.

Preferred Qualifications / Experience

• 7+ years of intellectual property‑focused legal experience, including patent and trademark prosecution, experience in structuring and leading negotiations of intellectual property transactions across various technology areas, including physical goods and software licenses.
• J.D. from an accredited law school, preferably from a top‑ranked law school; a science or technology undergraduate degree.
• Admission to a U.S. state bar (California preferred) and U.S. Patent Bar.
• Combination of law firm and in‑house experience preferred; experience in the outdoor industry a strong plus.

Pay

Below is a summary of compensation elements for this role at the company if based in the following locations:

California Base Pay Range: $170,000–$250,000

At Specialized, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package and will depend on your work experience, skills, certification, and location.

LOCATION

• Morgan Hill, CA (Office)

Benefits

As a full‑time, regular teammate, you are eligible for the following benefits, beginning the first of the month following your start date.

Benefits Include

• Competitive pay with annual performance‑based reviews for continued growth and recognition
• Comprehensive healthcare plan options, including PPO, EPO, HDHP, and HMO (acupuncture and physical therapy included)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer HSA contributions when enrolled in the High‑Deductible Healthcare Plan (HDHP)
• Dental and Vision plans
• 401(k) Company Matching up to $5,000 annually with immediate 100% vesting and administrative fees paid for by the company
• Annual Profit Sharing: Share in the rewards of our collective success through our profit sharing program, with contributions made directly to 401(k) accounts.
• Company‑paid Life, AD&D, Short‑Term Disability, and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program that provides access to individualized mental well‑being care
• Generous Vacation, Sick, Paid Holidays, and Volunteer Time Off
• 14 weeks of 100% paid leave for birthing parents and 8 weeks of 100% paid leave for non‑birthing parents, plus a Specialized bike for your new baby
• Up to $9,000 annually in Career Development & Degree Assistance
• Up to $250 annually in Fitness & Wellness Reimbursement
• Industry Pro‑Deal Discounts and Perks

For additional information on benefits and perks, please visit: https://benefits.specialized.com.

We want to increase representation of all races, genders, and body types in the cycling industry and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where all people thrive. We encourage everyone – especially those from marginalized groups – to apply to our job postings and help us earn the position as the rider’s brand of choice. We are always looking for creative, innovative, and passionate people who are eager to contribute to our mission of pedaling the planet forward. Regardless of your qualifications, if you are ready to make a difference, please apply and let us know how you can make an impact at Specialized! See what we are up to on LinkedIn, Instagram.