Sr Patent Counsel

MAHLE; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MAHLE is seeking a US Patent Attorney to protect and maximize MAHLE's IP portfolio, collaborating with engineering, business, and legal teams across the US, Germany, China, and Japan.

You will prosecute US and international applications, guide on patentability, and support IP licensing and litigation activities, contributing to MAHLE's global IP strategy.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in at least one U.S. State Bar.
• Registered Patent Attorney before the USPTO.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related technical field.
• Experience supporting patent preparation and prosecution.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Manage and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications with inventors and counsel.
• Identify and protect IP aligned with MAHLE's objectives.
• Conduct Freedom-to-Operate analyses to assess IP risks for business decisions.
• Provide guidance on patentability assessments and competitive landscapes.
• Support IP-related agreements including licensing and technology collaborations.
• Assist with IP disputes and litigation support as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering and business teams to identify inventions and protect IP.
• Coordinate with global IP colleagues to align strategies across regions.
• Monitor competitor patent activity and emerging technologies relevant to MAHLE.
• Contribute to monetization of MAHLE's patent portfolio and licensing opportunities.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Cross-functional collaboration

IP strategy

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

US Bar Admission

USPTO Patent Attorney Registration

Engineering Degree

Job description

As a US Patent Attorney, you will play a key role in protecting and maximizing the value of MAHLE's intellectual property portfolio. You will work closely with engineering, business, and legal stakeholders to support innovation initiatives, secure patent rights, assess intellectual property risks, and contribute to MAHLE's global IP strategy. This position offers exposure to a broad range of IP matters and close collaboration with colleagues across the United States, Germany, China, and Japan.

• Manage and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications in close collaboration with inventors, engineers, and external counsel.
• Identify, develop, and protect intellectual property rights aligned with MAHLE's business and innovation objectives.
• Conduct and support Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) analyses to assess intellectual property risks and support business decisions.
• Provide guidance on patentability assessments and competitive IP landscapes.
• Support IP-related agreements, including licensing, confidentiality, technology collaboration, and other intellectual property contracts.
• Assist with intellectual property disputes, enforcement matters, and litigation support activities as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering and business teams to identify inventions and develop effective IP protection strategies.
• Partner with global IP colleagues to ensure alignment of intellectual property strategies across regions.
• Monitor competitor patent activity and emerging technologies relevant to MAHLE's business.
• Contribute to the development and monetization of MAHLE's patent portfolio, including licensing opportunities where applicable.
• Provide IP training and awareness to internal stakeholders..

Your Experience & Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in at least one U.S. State Bar.
• Registered Patent Attorney before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Experience supporting patent preparation and prosecution.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate with engineering, business, and legal stakeholders