Senior US Patent Attorney — IP Strategy & Prosecution

ZF; Northville (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ZF Active Safety US Inc. in Northville, MI seeks an experienced Patent Attorney to lead US IP strategy, manage invention disclosures, and oversee patent prosecution across the company’s high‑tech portfolio.

As a key member of the IP team, you will collaborate with European and Asian IP counsels, supervise outside patent counsel, and support licensing, due diligence, and IP transactions in the US. A JD and USPTO admission are required, with a strong technical background in electronics or software

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in intellectual property law practice, in law firm or in-house.
• Fully qualified Patent Attorney admitted to the USPTO.
• Technical degree in electrical, electronics, computer engineering, physics or related field (preferred).
• Experience with electronics-based technology and software in high-tech environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage invention disclosure process and work closely with internal clients on all matters relating to inventions.
• Internal preparation of patent applications and patent prosecution matters.
• Direct and oversee outside patent counsel.
• Take responsibility for US patent infringement matters, patent licensing cases, transaction and agreement support in the US, freedom to operate evaluations, and all other matters relating to part of the company’s intellectual property assets, focusing on US matters.
• Provide general commercial advice in all areas of the company's operations, including contract negotiation and review with respect to US law.
• Software licensing relating to the Company’s products consistent with US practice.
• Performing IP due diligence and developing contracts for divestitures, acquisitions, investments, and joint ventures.
• Provide expertise and training to Engineering teams relating US intellectual property policies, procedures and topics.

Skills

IP law experience

USPTO qualification

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Electrical/technical degree

Job description

ZF Active Safety US Inc. in Northville, MI seeks an experienced Patent Attorney to lead US IP strategy, manage invention disclosures, and oversee patent prosecution across the company’s high‑tech portfolio.

As a key member of the IP team, you will collaborate with European and Asian IP counsels, supervise outside patent counsel, and support licensing, due diligence, and IP transactions in the US. A JD and USPTO admission are required, with a strong technical background in electronics or software