Sr Counsel, IP

Kohler Co.; Kohler (WI); On-site; USD 118,650 - 183,650; Full time

Job summary

Kohler Co. seeks a Sr Counsel, IP to partner with business leaders and counsel to develop and implement intellectual property strategies that align with company objectives. You will lead a team, manage patent portfolios, and provide proactive legal advice while driving engagement and collaboration.

The role emphasizes SME-level expertise, cross-functional partnering, and executive communication. This on-site position in Kohler, WI offers a competitive salary and bonus eligibility."

Qualifications

• Four-year undergraduate degree required.
• J.D. or LL.B. from law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Wisconsin and USPTO registration.
• 3+ years’ experience as a producing lawyer; corporate experience helpful.

Responsibilities

• Manage portion of Kohler's patent portfolio and global filings.
• Analyze big data to support legal and business decisions (Excel focus).
• Provide regulatory and intellectual property guidance for campaigns and branding.
• Lead and collaborate with the legal team to deliver proactive business solutions.

Skills

Excel

Communication

Negotiation

Legal leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS)

J.D. or L.L.B.

Job description

Sr Counsel, IP

Work Mode: Onsite

Location: Onsite - Kohler, WI

Opportunity

Partner with business leaders, internal and external counsel and enterprise functions to develop and implement intellectual property strategies supporting Company objectives. Provide sound and effective business solutions through proactive and timely legal advice. Actively work with a team of legal personnel, with a focus on driving positive team engagement and culture. Seen as lead subject matter expert and active resource among the team.

General Legal Function Responsibilities

• Manage portion of Company’s patent portfolio, including working with product development teams, coordinating clearance searches, conducting high level patentability/landscape searching, coordinating global patent filings, and management of pending and issued matters, and managing budgets.
• Drive efficiency through management and analysis of big data, leveraging advanced proficiency in Excel and other data management tools to support legal and business decision-making processes.
• Support marketing and advertising initiatives by advising on regulatory compliance, ensuring all campaigns adhere to relevant laws and industry standards. Advise on copyright and trademark matters, including handling registration processes, enforcement actions, and providing guidance on infringement and fair use issues.
• Provide legal counsel and guidance with focus on effective problem solving and solutions orientation.
• Guide leaders in the organization through effective partnership, education, and influence.
• Display a high level of collaboration and relationship building through strong business acumen/savvy, conflict navigation, and communication proficiency.
• Display master level of expertise, thought, and precision, with focus and awareness on foreseeing and implementing business solutions before a problem occurs.
• Apply effective risk management techniques and offer proactive strategic advice on legal issues.
• Communicate and negotiate with external parties (regulators, external counsel, public authority, etc.), building trust and strong relationships.
• Effectively solve problems and manage workload through application and use of technology, sound decision making and judgement, and effective workload management.
• Provide leadership amongst the organization through being a champion for talent and engagement of legal team as well as the broader organization.
• Drive continuous organizational improvement by seeking ways to impact the end consumer, prioritize, and innovate with enforcing compliance and business ethics.

Skills/Requirements

• Four‑year undergraduate college education resulting in award of Bachelor of Arts or Science degree.
• Three years of law school leading to award of an L.L.B. or J.D. degree.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin and USPTO Registration (patent bar).
• 3+ years’ applicable experience as a producing lawyer with a private firm. Previous corporate legal department experience is beneficial but not required.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

We believe in supporting you from the moment you join us, which is why Kohler offers day 1 benefits. This means you’ll have access to your applicable benefit programs from your first day on the job, with no waiting period. The salary range for this position is $118,650 - $183,650. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation.

Why Choose Kohler?

We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.

About Us

It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail]. Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.