Senior IP Counsel, Global Patents & Tech Transactions

Vanguard; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard seeks an experienced Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property, to lead a broad IP portfolio and advise on patent strategy, trade secret governance, and technology-related agreements. The role requires collaboration with business and technology teams and oversight of outside counsel.

You will help manage risk across emerging technologies, lead complex negotiations, and support training and governance initiatives within the Office of the General Counsel.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of legal experience; minimum 8 years in IP.
• Undergraduate degree and JD.
• Admission to practice before the USPTO.
• Experience with patent and trade secret counseling and US/foreign portfolio management.
• Experience drafting and negotiating IP and technology-related agreements.
• Experience using enterprise-approved AI tools to support legal work.
• Ability to balance business and legal needs and manage multiple projects; strong leadership and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Advise on IP protection strategies for company innovations, including patents and trade secrets.
• Manage Vanguard's global patent portfolio and outside counsel.
• Support trade secret governance and risk management initiatives.
• Negotiate technology transactions, collaborations, and strategic partnerships.
• Advise on IP issues in commercial, procurement, and strategic transactions.
• Assess IP risks related to emerging tech and third-party relationships.
• Oversee IP dispute matters and coordinate with stakeholders.

Skills

Patent portfolio

Trade secrets

Technology transactions

Legal research

Negotiation

Leadership

Communication

Education

JD/LLB

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Vanguard seeks an experienced Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property, to lead a broad IP portfolio and advise on patent strategy, trade secret governance, and technology-related agreements. The role requires collaboration with business and technology teams and oversight of outside counsel.

You will help manage risk across emerging technologies, lead complex negotiations, and support training and governance initiatives within the Office of the General Counsel.