Senior Counsel, IP

Role Summary

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Counsel Intellectual Property with deep expertise in patent prosecution portfolio management and IP counseling. This strategic legal position sits at the intersection of technology invention and business. You will partner with world-class engineers data scientists and medical experts to advance Intuitives pioneering work in surgical robotics medical technology and other high-technology fields.

If you are intellectually curious passionate about innovation and energized by collaborating across disciplines to tackle complex legal challenges we invite you to apply to join our dynamic team.

Primary Function of Position

• The Senior Counsel IP will lead and manage an active patent portfolio including management of patent application preparation patent prosecution and IP strategic development to identify and protect Intuitives valuable innovations.
• The Senior Counsel will provide comprehensive IP-related legal support including: IP due diligence litigation support transactional matters (for example nondisclosure agreements licensing agreements and acquisitions) trademark protection and trade secret protection.
• The Senior Counsel will engage directly with engineers scientists management clinical specialists and executives to translate technology developments into strong IP protection and support key business objectives.
• The Senior Counsel should become informed on industry trends and provide advice about industry and regulatory developments as well as development and implementation of operational and risk management processes and procedures.
• The Senior Counsel will report to the Associate General Counsel of IP and must escalate issues as appropriate and partner with all legal team members.
• The Senior Counsel must represent Intuitive Surgical with external parties with professionalism and strategic insight including customers regulators affiliates and industry trade groups.

Qualifications :

Job/Skill Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years experience in intellectual property law as a practitioner at a law firm and/or in-house legal department experience with a substantial focus on patent prosecution.
• At least 2 years of in-house counsel experience strongly preferred where responsibilities included patent prosecution and other IP related support (e.g. transactions litigation and due diligence).
• Technical degree professional background and/or significant experience related to medical devices robotics mechanical engineering or a related field (electrical engineering or other engineering specialties considered).
• J.D. degree and membership in good standing with the California bar  or eligible for immediate registration as a Registered In House Counsel RHIC.
• Admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
• Ability to assess legal and business opportunities and risks related to IP assets in support of M&A investment opportunities licensing and purchasing or selling of patent portfolios.
• Exceptional communication and writing skills able to distill complex technical and legal concepts for varied audiences.
• Ability to closely manage outside counsel and control matter costs.
• Willingness to travel as required which could include extended trips on occasion.

Other Personal Characteristics:

• Engaging courageous and self-directed accustomed to managing with a collaborative fact-based approach.
• Collaborative resourceful and adaptableable to anticipate needs and navigate a rapidly changing environment.
• Intellectually curious and eager to learn new areas of law and technology and apply knowledge effectively.

Additional Information :

Due to the nature of our business and the role please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19.  Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race sex pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity national origin color age religion protected veteran or disability status genetic information or any other status protected under federal state or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer:  In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR 743.13(b)) some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employeeswho are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the governments licensing process can take 3 to 6 months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (TCP) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).  

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employeesstart date which may or may not be flexible and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes. 

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside or plan to reside in Alabama Arkansas Delaware Florida Indiana Iowa Louisiana Maryland Mississippi Missouri Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Carolina or Tennessee.

We provide market-competitive compensation packages inclusive of base pay incentives benefits and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role as actual pay will be determined based on several factors including experience skills and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time