Senior Patents Counsel – Global Portfolio & Litigation

Reynolds American Inc.; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Reynolds American Inc. in Winston-Salem, NC is seeking a Senior Counsel, Patents to manage the patent portfolio and provide strategic oversight of litigation and enforcement across the Reynolds American Group, including R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, R.J.

Reynolds Vapor Company, American Snuff Company, and Modoral Brands Inc. The role emphasizes leading strategic prosecution, FTO reviews, and cross‑functional support for business decisions.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and active US bar license.
• At least five years of US patent prosecution or litigation experience.
• Broad patent law experience including global prosecution and due diligence.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Reynolds American patent portfolio and oversee litigation and enforcement.
• Identify patentable inventions with R&D teams and shape filing strategies.
• Lead prosecution and management of the portfolio and perform freedom-to-operate reviews.
• Advise on patent transactions, licensing, and strategic risk mitigation.
• Coordinate with Regulatory, Marketing, and Commercial teams on IP strategy.
• Supervise outside patent counsel and support M&A due diligence.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Patent litigation

Strategic advisory

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Engineering or science degree

Tools

USPTO registration

Job description

Reynolds American Inc. in Winston-Salem, NC is seeking a Senior Counsel, Patents to manage the patent portfolio and provide strategic oversight of litigation and enforcement across the Reynolds American Group, including R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, R.J.

Reynolds Vapor Company, American Snuff Company, and Modoral Brands Inc. The role emphasizes leading strategic prosecution, FTO reviews, and cross‑functional support for business decisions.