Senior Director, Intellectual Property Counsel
Pleasant Grove, OH - USA
Job Summary
Senior Director Intellectual Property Counsel
Strategy/Legal Org Reports to Chief Legal Officer Full Time Remote / Hybrid
Join Us at PuraReimagining Fragrance for the Future
At Pura we believe life is better when it smells good. Fragrance has the unique power to transform spaces elevate moods and create lasting memories. But we know it can do even more. Thats why were pioneering the future of fragrance combining cutting-edge smart home technology with premium clean scents to create personalized meaningful experiences in every home.
Were not just a fragrance companywere on a mission to change the way people experience scent. At Pura we are redefining fragrance as a critical element of design on par with color texture sound lighting and furniture. We call this Scent Designtransforming scent from an afterthought into an intentional skillful component of every space. By blending artistry and science Pura allows users to design their own scentscapes that enhance daily life and craft environments that feel as good as they smell.
Our journey began with two innovators Richie Stapler and Bruno Lima and their shared vision of revolutionizing how we experience fragrance. Since then Pura has grown into a company that sells a fragrance every 3.7 seconds partnering with iconic brands like Curio Anthropologie and Disney. Weve been recognized as the Fastest Growing Company in Utah and we are passionate about making scent a core part of lifes most memorable moments.
Pura seeks an experienced and strategic Senior Director Intellectual Property Counsel to lead the development management and protection of Puras global intellectual property portfolio. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer this individual will serve as Puras principal internal IP advisor and partner closely with Product Engineering Design Marketing Brand Partnerships and other business leaders.
This role extends beyond traditional portfolio management. The Senior Director will help Pura use intellectual property to strengthen its competitive position preserve differentiation identify and respond to competitive threats and create room for continued innovation and growth. The role encompasses patents trademarks copyrights trade dress trade secrets brand protection and enforcement in the United States and internationally.
You will help us inspire a belief in the power of fragrance to craft and elevate memorable moments for our Owners. This is your chance to make an impact in a high-growth company thats redefining the way people experience scent.
What Youll Own:
- IP Strategy & Portfolio Management
- Lead Puras global IP strategy in consultation with the CLO business stakeholders and outside counsel and manage Puras domestic and international patent trademark copyright trade dress and trade secret portfolios.
- Partner closely with Product Engineering and Design to identify protectable innovations conduct invention harvesting evaluate freedom-to-operate and other IP risks and determine appropriate protection strategies.
- Direct outside patent counsel in drafting and prosecuting patent applications while substantively reviewing and advising on claims scope and prosecution strategy.
- Lead IP clearance and risk-assessment strategy utilizing outside counsel as appropriate.
- Develop trade secret strategies and scalable internal IP processes including invention disclosures portfolio tracking inventor education and portfolio reporting.
- Competitive Strategy Brand Protection & Enforcement
- Monitor competitor IP portfolios filings and market activity and translate competitive intelligence into recommendations that strengthen Puras competitive position.
- Serve as the primary legal advisor to Puras cross-functional brand protection efforts including counterfeiting marketplace infringement unauthorized trademark use copycat products trade dress and other misuse of Puras IP.
- Develop and recommend enforcement strategies and manage outside counsel as appropriate. Work closely with the CLO and other Legal Department personnel when disputes escalate into litigation.
- Regularly advise senior leadership regarding significant IP developments risks opportunities and recommended strategies.
- Commercial & Emerging IP Matters
- Provide IP expertise in Puras Brand Partnerships and other commercial relationships including licensing ownership usage rights exclusivity derivative works and enforcement rights.
- Draft review and negotiate IP licenses coexistence agreements settlements and other IP-related agreements.
- Serve as a leading internal legal voice on emerging IP issues involving artificial intelligence including ownership protection third-party rights and AI-assisted innovation.
- Advise on copyright protection and employee/contractor IP invention-assignment confidentiality and trade-secret matters.
- Outside Counsel & Budget Management
- Manage domestic and international IP counsel and vendors to ensure high-quality practical and cost-effective representation.
- Develop and manage the IP legal budget with the CLO and recommend where Pura should deploy IP resources to maximize strategic and competitive value.
Qualifications:
- Be a decent human being and fun to work with.
- J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
- 8 years of relevant intellectual property legal experience.
- Significant experience with patent and trademark portfolio strategy prosecution clearance licensing and enforcement.
- Ability to understand technical concepts and work substantively with inventors engineers product teams and patent counsel.
- Experience managing outside counsel and complex IP matters.
- Strong business judgment with the ability to translate sophisticated IP issues into practical recommendations.
- Excellent analytical communication and interpersonal skills.
- Preferred:
- Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office strongly preferred.
- Technical or scientific undergraduate degree.
- Utah State Bar membership.
- Experience with consumer products technology hardware software IoT or other innovation-driven businesses.
- Experience managing international IP portfolios.
Were passionate about creating spaces that inspire elevate and transform everyday life. We believe scent is more than just a pleasant backgroundits an integral part of Scent Design transforming homes into meaningful personalized spaces. Our smart home fragrance diffusers allow users to design their own scent experiences with premium clean fragrances.
After 10 years of innovation weve been recognized by Inc. and Utah Business as one of the best places to work and we continue to push the boundaries of technology and fragrance. Join us in our pursuit of reimagining whats possible with scent design.
Puras Culture
Our culture is built on a foundation of innovation collaboration inclusivity and being good humans. We believe in fostering an environment where creativity thrives empowering each team member to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. Our commitment to sustainability and integrity drives our decisions ensuring that we not only create exceptional products but also contribute positively to our community and the planet. We celebrate diversity and prioritize open communication cultivating a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and inspired to push boundaries. Together were not just building a brandwere creating a movement that redefines the role of fragrance in our lives.
Were looking for individuals who believe in the power of fragrance and technology to transform lives. If youre ready to be part of a dynamic fast-growing company at the forefront of an exciting industry wed love to hear from you.
Pura provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.
*All candidates are subject to a background check.
Required Experience:
Exec
About Company
Pura is a smart fragrance diffuser that allows you to control your favorite scents from the convenience of your phone. Save your fragrance with custom scheduling, geofencing, and adjustable scent intensity to refine any house into your luxurious home.