Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

Westlake Chemical; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical seeks an experienced Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to join its in-house legal team in Houston. The role blends IP strategy, contract review and transactional work across businesses, R&D, manufacturing, and M&A teams.

You will manage outside counsel, draft and negotiate IP agreements, support patent prosecution, and provide training on IP matters while balancing legal risk with business needs. Some travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and licensed to practice law in Texas.
• Licensed to practice before the USPTO.
• 8+ years of IP experience, preferably with major law firm and in-house corporate exposure.
• Strong writing and verbal skills with solid business acumen.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on intellectual property matters for multiple client groups within the company.
• Develop and implement IP protection strategies across businesses and centers.
• Review, draft and negotiate IP-related contracts and service agreements.
• Support IP aspects of complex transactions including mergers and acquisitions.
• Lead and manage external counsel for patent drafting, prosecution and enforcement within budget.
• Collaborate with internal teams and provide IP training to personnel.

Skills

IP law

Contract negotiation

Patent prosecution

M&A support

Litigation coordination

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

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.

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

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here.You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.