Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property

Specialized; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Healthcare plans (PPO/EPO/HDHP/HMO)

HSA employer contributions

Dental and Vision

401(k) company match

Life and Disability Insurance

Paid time off

Career development & degree assistance

Fitness & wellness reimbursements

Pro-Deal discounts

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Specialized is seeking a Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property to lead the development and execution of our global IP strategy, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. You will advise leadership and R&D teams on IP risks, licensing, and commercialization opportunities.

You will manage IP litigation, oversee filings and portfolio management, and draft broad IP agreements, while training other attorneys on risk mitigation and compliance in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years IP-focused legal experience including patent and trademark prosecution.
• Bar admission in the United States (California preferred) and US Patent Bar.
• Experience structuring and leading IP negotiations and transactions.
• Combination of law firm and in-house experience preferred; outdoor industry experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of global IP strategy for patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
• Advise leadership and cross-functional teams on IP risks, licensing, and commercialization opportunities.
• Manage IP litigation, dispute resolution, and enforcement actions.
• Oversee patent and trademark filings, prosecution, and portfolio management.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements (licensing, technology transfer, NDAs, partnerships).
• Educate and train teammates on IP best practices and risk mitigation.

Skills

Negotiation

Drafting

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk assessment

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Science or technology undergraduate degree

Job description

Senior Counsel, Intellectual PropertyAre 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 DIFFERENCELead 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 WINStrong 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 riskStrong 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 / EXPERIENCE7+ 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.BENEFITSAs 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 recognitionComprehensive 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 plans401(k) Company Matching up to $5,000 annually with immediate 100% vesting and administrative fees paid for by the companyCompany-paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program that provides access to individualized mental well-being careGenerous Vacation, Sick, Paid Holidays, and Volunteer Time Off14 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 babyUp to $9,000 annually in Career Development & Degree AssistanceUp to $250 annually in Fitness & Wellness ReimbursementIndustry Pro-Deal Discounts and PerksFor 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.