Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

Westlake; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake seeks a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to join its Legal department in Houston, TX. The role blends IP, contract and transactional work, supporting multiple client groups, including IT and M&A teams. The position requires HQ presence at least 3 days per week, with travel up to 10%.

Ideal candidates hold a JD and USPTO registration, with 8+ years of major firm and/or in-house IP experience, and strong writing, verbal skills, and business acumen to balance legal and business needs.

Qualifications

• JD degree and licensed to practice law in Texas or eligible to practice as an in-house corporate attorney.
• Licensed and in good standing at the USPTO.
• Strong writing and verbal skills.
• Strong business acumen with ability to balance legal and business needs.
• Up to 10% travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on intellectual property matters to client groups including Performance and Essential Material division and IT group.
• Develop and implement strategies to protect IP assets.
• Review, draft and negotiate IP-related contracts and service/subscription agreements.
• Support IP aspects of mergers, acquisitions and collaborations.
• Advise on IP litigation and lead efforts with external counsel when appropriate.
• Draft, negotiate and advise on contract and other commercial matters.
• Build partnerships with business units, research centers, facilities and management.
• Develop and deliver training on IP topics (e.g., proper use of company marks).
• Manage outside counsel for patent drafting, prosecution and enforcement within budget.

Job description

Job Title: Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

Department: Legal

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

Serves as a key member of the IP legal team, supporting the businesses, research centers, manufacturing facilities and M&A clients, as well as supporting the Information Technology team. The role is a mixture of IP, contract and transactional work. This position is in Houston, Texas and currently requires working at HQ offices at least 3 days/week.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel and guidance to the various client groups (including the Performance and Essential Material division and the Information Technology group) on matters of intellectual property law.
• Develop and implement strategies to protect IP assets.
• Review, draft and negotiate IP related contracts, IP related service/subscription agreements and advise fellow counsel regarding IP provisions contained in their contracts.
• Support intellectual property aspects of complex transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions and collaborations.
• Advise assigned client groups as to when IP related litigation is appropriate (e.g., patent infringement) and lead litigation efforts, through external counsel.
• Draft, negotiate and provide legal counsel and guidance on contract and other commercial matters.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with the businesses, research centers, manufacturing facilities, other company departments and company management.
• Develop and provide training to company personnel on substantive IP topics (e.g., proper use of company marks).
• Manage outside counsel as necessary for various matters, including patent drafting, prosecution and enforcements, all in a budget-minded manner.
• Work collaboratively with clients throughout the organization, including other attorneys.

Experience

• Juris Doctor degree and licensed, as a member in good standing, to practice law in Texas, or otherwise eligible to practice as an in-house corporate attorney.
• Licensed and in good standing at the USPTO
• Strong academic credentials from a top-rated accredited law school.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience, preferably with major law firm and in-house corporate experience.
• Experience in managing corporate intellectual property matters
• Strong writing and verbal skills.
• Strong business acumen with an ability to balance legal and business requirements.
• Up to 10% travel may be required.

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.