Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

Qnity; Marlborough (MA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Qnity seeks a Senior Counsel - Intellectual Property to lead patent strategies, manage U.S. and international portfolios, and advise on licensing, collaborations, and M&A opportunities. You will partner with R&D, engineering, regulatory, and commercial teams to translate IP strategy into business value.

The role is hybrid, with in-office and remote work, and priority given to candidates living within commuting distance to Marlborough, MA. Sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar admission in the U.S.
• USPTO registration to practice before patent office.
• Minimum 5 years of IP legal experience, in-house and/or law firm.
• Experience drafting and managing US/international patent portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation, prosecution, and management of U.S. and international patent portfolios with inventors and outside counsel.
• Conduct FTO analyses and patent risk assessments to guide product strategy.
• Provide strategic IP counsel on licensing, collaborations, and M&A activities.
• Advise on IP risks/opportunities to align with corporate objectives.
• Support patent litigation and enforcement with external counsel.
• Partner with senior leadership to grow and mature the IP function.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Technical degree in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Materials Science

Job description

Are you looking to power the next leap in the exciting world of advanced electronics? Do you want to help solve problems that drive success in the rapidly evolving technology and connectivity landscape? Then bring your problem-solving, passion, and creativity to help us power the next leap in electronics.

At Qnity, we’re more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and high-tech industries – we’re a tight-knit team that is motivated by new possibilities, and always up for a challenge. All our dedicated teams contribute to making cutting-edge technology possible. We value forward-thinking challengers, boundary-pushers, and diverse perspectives across all our departments, because we know we play a critical role in the world enabling faster progress for all. Learn how you can start or jumpstart your career with us.

Position Summary

Qnity is seeking an experienced Senior Counsel - Intellectual Property to play a critical role in protecting and advancing the company's innovation portfolio. Reporting to the Chief IP Counsel, this individual will lead patent-related legal activities, including patent preparation and prosecution, freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis, patent litigation support, IP transactions, and strategic counseling.

This position partners closely with R&D, engineering, product management, regulatory, commercial, and executive leadership teams to develop and execute intellectual property strategies that support business growth and competitive advantage. The ideal candidate combines deep patent expertise with strong business acumen, technical proficiency, and the ability to influence stakeholders across a global organization.

This is a Hybrid role that consists of both In-Office and Remote work requirements. Candidates who currently live within a commutable distance to Marlborough, MA will be given priority.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this opportunity now or in the future.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the preparation, prosecution, and management of U.S. and international patent portfolios, partnering with inventors, R&D, and outside counsel to protect key innovations.
• Conduct patentability assessments, freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses, and patent risk evaluations to support product development and business strategy.
• Provide strategic IP counsel on commercialization, licensing, collaborations, M&A activities, and other technology-driven initiatives.
• Advise business and technical teams on intellectual property risks, opportunities, and best practices to align IP strategy with corporate objectives.
• Support patent litigation, opposition proceedings, enforcement activities, and dispute resolution efforts in collaboration with external counsel.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, building strong partnerships across legal, technical, commercial, and operational teams while helping develop the company's IP function.

What We Are Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
• Registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Technical degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of intellectual property legal experience, preferably combining law firm and in-house counsel experience.
• Proven experience drafting, prosecuting, and managing U.S. and international patent portfolios.
• Demonstrated experience conducting freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses and providing patent risk assessments.
• Experience supporting patent litigation and intellectual property dispute matters.
• Experience negotiating complex technology, licensing, collaboration, or related commercial agreements.
• Strong understanding of patent law, intellectual property strategy, and portfolio management.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical business guidance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within the semiconductor, advanced materials, specialty chemicals, electronics, or technology industries.
• Knowledge of electronic materials and semiconductor-related technologies, including: Semiconductor fabrication Lithography Advanced packaging Metallization Display technologies
• Experience supporting global intellectual property portfolios and international patent strategies.
• Prior in-house counsel experience supporting innovation-driven organizations.
• Experience managing outside counsel and global patent budgets.
• Experience supporting M&A transactions, licensing programs, and technology partnerships.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including mentoring, coaching, or direct management responsibilities.
• Advanced understanding of intellectual property due diligence and portfolio valuation.

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Qnity is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information.

Qnity offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.

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