Sr Counsel, IP - (req72570)

Sterling Kohler; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 119,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day 1 benefits

Performance bonus

Job summary

Kohler is seeking a Sr Counsel, IP to lead intellectual property strategy and support business objectives onsite at Kohler, WI. You will collaborate with product development, marketing, and external counsel to manage patent filings and landscape analyses, while ensuring regulatory compliance across campaigns and branding initiatives.

Qualified candidates will have a Wisconsin law license, USPTO patent bar, and 3+ years of producing-lawyer experience. A performance bonus is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in arts or sciences required.
• J.D. or LL.B. degree from law school required.
• Licensed to practice law in Wisconsin and USPTO registration required.

Responsibilities

• Manage portion of patent portfolio with product teams and global filings.
• Provide proactive legal advice to business leaders and enterprise functions.
• Advise on regulatory compliance, copyright and trademark matters.
• Lead and mentor legal team, driving engagement and culture.
• Analyze big data and use Excel to support decision making.
• Negotiate with regulators and external counsel to build trust.

Education

Bachelor of Arts or Science degree

J.D. or LL.B. degree

Tools

USPTO Patent Bar

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.