Senior Director, Patents

Why Sony Interactive Entertainment

Sony Interactive Entertainment isnt just the Best Place to Play its also the Best Place to Work. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is the company behind the PlayStation brand. As a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation were part of a proud legacy of innovation and excellence. SIE is a dynamic technology company delivering cutting-edge hardware and network services to more than 100 million people and an entertainment leader home to some of the most beloved and recognizable intellectual properties (IP) in the world. Our role at SIE is to create and nurture the experiences under the PlayStation brand a name synonymous with entertainment excellence and creativity.

Senior Director Patents
San Mateo CA Hybrid - 2 days per week in our San Mateo office
Full relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

Role Summary:

As Senior Director of Patents at Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC (SIE) you will be the primary counsel responsible for handling the prosecution of SIEs global patent portfolio and leading the prosecution teams located in SIEs San Mateo London and Tokyo offices. You will be responsible for leading SIEs efforts to grow its portfolio of utility patents and utility models and will set the strategic direction and priorities of SIEs patent portfolio. You will also be responsible for providing advice on patent-related issues to SIE legal and business teams and training business teams on the importance of obtaining protection for SIEs valuable inventions.

You will report to the Vice President Intellectual Property Litigation Competition and Regulatory and be a senior level member of SIEs global legal leadership team. You will coordinate prosecution-related activities across SIEs business and legal functions globally. The position is based in San Mateo California.

What Youll Be Doing:

• Manage the prosecution of SIEs global patent portfolio of utility patents across various product and technology areas including invention intake review and strategic portfolio assessment.
• Develop patent strategy in collaboration with the technical and business teams.
• Collaborate effectively and efficiently with outside counsel to manage patent preparation and prosecution.
• Manage and develop the SIE patent prosecution teams located in San Mateo London and Tokyo inspiring the teams to perform at their best and enhancing their opportunities for growth.
• Lead SIEs efforts to grow its portfolio through patent workshops and other patent mining activities.
• Advise SIE leadership on strategic patent-related issues.
• Lead support for SIE legal and business teams on patent-related issues and train business teams on the importance of obtaining protection for SIEs valuable inventions.
• Analyze technical trends and developments in the videogame industry and apply this analysis to the strategic direction of SIEs patent portfolio.
• Partner with team members at all levels of the global organization and develop positive and collaborative relationships with engineering product management and legal teams to support the patent prosecution program.
• Continuously refine and improve SIEs processes for patent prosecution and intake of patentable inventions.
• Maintain and monitor SIEs budget and track spending for all global prosecution-related activities.
  

What Were Looking For:

• Juris Doctorate degree and admission to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
• An advanced degree in electrical engineering computer science or other area relevant to IP practice in the videogame industry.
• At least 18 years of experience as a practicing attorney primarily in the area of patent prosecution preferably with a mix of in-house and private practice experience.
• Demonstrated experience and track record of success in building and maintaining a robust global patent portfolio including portfolio creation strategy and counseling.
• Experience in preparing and prosecuting domestic and international patent applications and providing patentability validity and infringement assessments.
• A strong understanding of patent law and principles and the ability to efficiently review interpret and analyze complex legal information.
• Outstanding oral written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to operate with significant autonomy while demonstrating strong executive judgment and self-awareness remaining receptive to leadership feedback and direction in a collaborative environment and adapting approach as appropriate while maintaining ownership and a collaborative solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and internationally with multiple partners and to implement global strategies.

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Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity gender expression and gender reassignment) race (including colour nationality ethnic or national origin) religion or belief marital or civil partnership status disability age sexual orientation pregnancy maternity or parental status trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

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