Strategic Intellectual Property Counsel (Patent Strategy)

First Quality; Georgia; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary and bonus

Paid time off

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid parental leave

Dependent care FSA with employer match

Tuition assistance

Wellness program

Job summary

First Quality seeks an IP Counsel to provide a full range of IP counseling for its family of companies. The role focuses on strategic patent development, risk assessment, and management of complex IP issues across multiple business units.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in IP law, a J.D. and USPTO registration, with an engineering/technical undergrad preferred. You will work with Product Development groups, manage outside counsel, and travel ~15–20%.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of IP legal matters experience including patent prep and prosecution, opinions, and trade secrets.
• Exposure to IP litigation and regulatory issues is a plus.
• Must have J.D., bar membership, and USPTO registration.
• Undergraduate degree in engineering, chemistry, microbiology or similar.

Responsibilities

• Provide full IP counseling across First Quality businesses.
• Develop and execute patent strategies to strengthen market position.
• Collaborate with Product Development and business partners to secure IP rights.
• Review third-party patents and provide freedom-to-operate opinions.
• Train internal teams on IP topics and best practices.
• Manage outside counsel for drafting, filing, and prosecution of patents.
• Prepare and review confidentiality agreements, joint development agreements and IP clauses.
• Maintain knowledge of commercial/tech strategies and monitor competitor positions.

Skills

IP law

Patent strategy

Communication

Project management

Education

J.D. degree; bar admission; USPTO registration

Engineering/Chemistry/Science undergrad

Job description

First Quality seeks an IP Counsel to provide a full range of IP counseling for its family of companies. The role focuses on strategic patent development, risk assessment, and management of complex IP issues across multiple business units.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in IP law, a J.D. and USPTO registration, with an engineering/technical undergrad preferred. You will work with Product Development groups, manage outside counsel, and travel ~15–20%.