Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

Westlake Chemical; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical is seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel in Houston, TX to support the IP legal team and multiple client groups, including IT and manufacturing. The role combines IP, contract, and transactional work and requires on-site presence at HQ at least 3 days per week.

Applicant will manage IP strategies, review IP-related contracts, support complex transactions, and lead litigation efforts with external counsel.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and licensed to practice in Texas.
• Licensed and in good standing at the USPTO.
• Strong academic credentials from a top-rated law school.

Responsibilities

• Provide IP law counsel to client groups across the business and IT teams.
• Develop strategies to protect IP assets and manage IP-related contracts.
• Review, draft and negotiate IP agreements and service/subscription contracts.
• Support IP aspects of mergers, acquisitions and collaborations.
• Advise on IP litigation needs and coordinate with external counsel.
• Manage outside counsel for patent drafting, prosecution and enforcement.
• Collaborate with various departments and provide training on IP topics.

Skills

IP strategy

Contract negotiation

External counsel management

Legal advisory

Written and verbal communication

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Licensed to practice law in Texas

USPTO registration

Top-tier law school credentials

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

Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day. Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions from housing and construction, to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.westlake.com.

Westlake (NYSE: WLK) is a global diversified industrial company that manufactures and supplies essential products that enhance the daily lives of people around the globe. Our products, now under a One Westlake brand, supply the necessary building blocks for everyday products across housing and infrastructure, packaging and healthcare, and automotive and consumer goods. Consumers gain the benefits of materials Westlake produces in products such as food packaging, medical devices, soaps and detergents, car interiors, fashion, toys, shoes, furniture, electronics, siding, stone veneer, windows, outdoor living, roofing, and pipe & fittings.

Westlake is proud to contribute to driving a sustainable future through the creation of essential products that are Enhancing Your Life Every Day.

To view other career opportunities at Westlake and our family of companies, visit https://westlaketalent.com