Junior Patent Attorney

Introduction to the job

ASML is a world leader in the manufacture of advanced technology systems for the semiconductor industry. With over 40000 people in more than 80 locations worldwide ASML has an international presence in the semiconductor industry. The ASML group including Cymer in San Diego CA continues to advance light source technologies for both extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and deep ultraviolet (DUV) applications.

Within ASML the Corporate Intellectual Property (CIP) department is responsible for maximizing ASMLs global IP position to protect and support ASMLs business. In particular the CIP department strives to preserve freedom to operate for ASML and to establish and maintain a portfolio of IP rights. The CIP department includes about 85 members distributed across four worldwide locations (Veldhoven in the Netherlands; and Wilton San Diego and San Jose in the USA).

The CIP department is seeking a qualified patent attorney. This position will be based in San Diego CA USA and will report to the local senior IP line manager. The San Diego IP team provides services to a corps of scientists engineers and management that is driving ASMLs EUV and Cymers DUV light source development. Patent agents meeting the following criteria are also invited to apply.

Job Mission: Establish prosecute and maintain a worldwide patent portfolio in the field of light sources for lithography systems. Evaluate and mitigate patent risks from a worldwide perspective. Contribute to the completion of IP-related projects such as patent portfolio reviews and process updates.

Role and responsibilities

• Actively develop and support management of a global patent portfolio including assessing invention disclosures presenting at invention review meetings and recommending strategic portfolio maintenance.
• Supervise outside counsel to properly prepare and prosecute patent applications including critically reviewing drafts and providing response suggestions.
• Contribute to the execution of ASML IP strategies including patent filing and product clearance.
• Interacting with various internal stakeholders (e.g. research and development and engineering groups) to build a detailed knowledge of current and future ASML products and business goals align the patent portfolio with the business goals identify opportunities to establish IP protection determine existence of patent risks and mitigate such risks.
• Must be legally authorized to access controlled technology as defined in the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. 730 et seq.) prior to beginning work.

Education and experience

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in mechanical engineering mechatronics physics optics electrical engineering or comparable technical field. Advanced degree in one of those fields a plus.
• JD plus state license preferred.
• Must be licensed to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

• 3 years of experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications and analyzing patentability non-infringement and freedom to operate.
• Experience in handling IP matters in industry or for industry clients preferred.
• Technical experience in mechanical optical mechatronics or similar field preferred.

Skills

• Strong foundational technical knowledge in mechanical systems and materials.
• Ability to conduct detailed technical analysis while maintaining a high-level strategic view.
• Strong analytical and communication skill including ability to translate and analyze data and to effectively present analysis and propose future action.
• Decisive and self-initiating.
• Ability to work proactively and effectively both independently and in teams with a diverse group of colleagues and internal clients in multiple countries.
• Excellent client service ethics and skills with an advanced understanding of client relationship-building.
• Proficiency in MS Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook at least one IP database and on-line research principles.
• Fluent in English (verbal reading and writing).

Other information

Note that this position requires on-site presence in San Diego for at least 3 days per week and occasional international travel.

Pay scales are determined by role level location and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors that that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to job-related skills relevant education and experience certifications abilities of the candidate and pay relative to other team members.

Diversity and inclusion

ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit hire train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race color religion sex age national origin veteran status disability sexual orientation or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

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Request an Accommodation

ASML provides reasonable accommodations to applicants for ASML employment and ASML employees with disabilities. An accommodation is a change in work rules facilities or conditions which enable an individual with a disability to apply for a job perform the essential functions of a job and/or enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete an application participate in an interview or otherwise participate in the employee pre-selection process please send an email to to initiate the companys reasonable accommodation process.

Please note: This email address is solely intended to provide a method for applicants to initiate ASMLs process to request accommodation(s). Any recruitment questions should be directed to the designated Talent Acquisition member for the position.