Senior IP Counsel — Global Patents & Strategy

Emerson; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Flexible time off

Job summary

Emerson seeks a Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property, to guide strategic IP initiatives across global markets. You will partner with business leaders, engineers, and legal colleagues to shape and execute patent strategies that protect innovations and enable growth.

Ideal candidates bring 3–5 years of international IP experience, US bar and Federal Patent Bar, and strong communication with senior stakeholders. Travel and sponsorship-free work authorization required.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of commercial and international legal experience.
• Admission in good standing to at least one U.S. state bar and the Federal Patent Bar.
• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Ability to work independently and communicate with senior leaders.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills.
• Willingness to travel.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Advise business units on IP and related legal matters.
• Manage outside counsel and patent prosecution.
• Conduct patent searches, landscapes, and competitor monitoring.
• Review invention disclosures and identify protection opportunities.
• Support IP diligence for transactions, acquisitions, and product launches.
• Train technical and business teams on IP processes and best practices.
• Develop business-aligned patent strategies and portfolio priorities.
• Lead FTO analyses and risk mitigation recommendations.
• Draft and negotiate IP agreements, including NDAs, licenses, and JDAs.
• Support patent litigation and outside counsel coordination.
• Keep business and Law Department leaders informed of significant developments.
• Exercise sound judgment and integrity to protect Emerson’s reputation.
• Implement corporate policies across applicable divisions.
• Lead strategic projects involving legislation, directives, and regulations.
• Manage post-acquisition legal integration.

Skills

IP law

Commercial law

International law

Patent prosecution

Contract negotiation

Legal strategy

FTO analysis

English fluency

Travel willingness

Education

Juris Doctor

US Bar Admission

Federal Patent Bar

Job description

Emerson seeks a Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property, to guide strategic IP initiatives across global markets. You will partner with business leaders, engineers, and legal colleagues to shape and execute patent strategies that protect innovations and enable growth.

Ideal candidates bring 3–5 years of international IP experience, US bar and Federal Patent Bar, and strong communication with senior stakeholders. Travel and sponsorship-free work authorization required.