Senior Patent Counsel - IP Strategy & Licensing

Whirlpool, Inc.; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discount

Fitness reimbursement

Educational reimbursement

Kitchenettes

Job summary

Whirlpool Corporation in Benton Harbor, MI, seeks a Senior Manager-Level Patent Counsel to lead intellectual property strategy and protection for current and future innovations. The role reports to the Legal Director, Patents & Intellectual Property Litigation, and drives the patent function across Whirlpool’s business units.

The ideal candidate has a JD, active US Bar admission, and 8+ years in IP including patents and monetization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and JD from an accredited law school.
• Active Bar admission in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 8+ years of legal experience as a licensed attorney specializing in IP, including patent/trade secret matters.

Responsibilities

• Develop IP protection strategies for Whirlpool’s innovations.
• Manage filing, prosecution, and maintenance of the global patent portfolio.
• Negotiate IP-related contracts including M&A, confidentiality, licenses.
• Pursue enforcement and monetization opportunities for IP assets.
• Establish product clearance plans and assess freedom-to-operate risks.
• Provide IP guidance and training to engineering and business teams.
• Improve patent-law processes within the law department.

Skills

Patent strategy

IP management

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Whirlpool Corporation in Benton Harbor, MI, seeks a Senior Manager-Level Patent Counsel to lead intellectual property strategy and protection for current and future innovations. The role reports to the Legal Director, Patents & Intellectual Property Litigation, and drives the patent function across Whirlpool’s business units.

The ideal candidate has a JD, active US Bar admission, and 8+ years in IP including patents and monetization.