Assistant General Counsel IP

Intuitive•Sunnyvale, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Intuitive Surgical is seeking an Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property, to lead and manage an active patent portfolio and provide strategic IP counsel for technologies including robotic-assisted surgery, AI, computer vision, advanced instrumentation, imaging, and digital surgery. The attorney will work directly with engineers, scientists, physicians, clinical specialists, management, business leaders, and executives to translate technology developments into strong IP protection and advance business objectives. The role covers patent application preparation and prosecution, patent portfolio management, and IP strategy. It also supports IP-related transactions, including NDAs and agreements involving collaboration, product development, and suppliers, as well as strategic deals and investments such as M&A and licensing. Responsibilities include IP due diligence, negotiating deal agreements, and advising on IP strategies. Additional work includes litigation support as needed, trademark and trade secret protection, monitoring industry and regulatory developments, and helping develop operational and risk-management processes and procedures. The Assistant General Counsel, IP reports to the Associate General Counsel, IP Strategy, escalates issues as appropriate, partners with the broader legal team, and represents Intuitive Surgical with external parties. The position requires being onsite three days per week in the Sunnyvale, California office, with occasional travel as required.

Requirements

At least 10 years of intellectual property law experience as a practitioner at a law firm and/or in an in-house legal department, with substantial focus on patent prosecution.
Technical degree, professional background, and/or significant experience related to medical devices, robotics, mechanical engineering, or a related field; electrical engineering and other engineering specialties are also considered.
J.D. degree.
Membership in good standing with the California bar or eligibility for immediate registration as a Registered In House Counsel (RHIC).
Admission 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 purchases or sales of patent portfolios.
Exceptional communication and writing skills, including the ability to explain complex technical and legal concepts to varied audiences.
Willingness to travel occasionally as required.
Engaging, courageous, and self-directed, with a collaborative, fact-based approach.
Collaborative, resourceful, adaptable, and able 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.
Ability to work onsite three days per week in the Sunnyvale, California office.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of in-house counsel experience, preferably including patent portfolio management and IP-related transactions.
Experience supporting litigation and due diligence is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage an active patent portfolio, including patent application preparation and prosecution.
Develop IP strategy to identify and protect company innovations.
Support IP-related transactions, including NDAs and agreements involving collaboration, product development, and suppliers.
Support strategic deals and investments, including M&A and licensing, through IP due diligence, deal-agreement drafting and negotiation, and strategic advice.
Provide IP-related litigation support as needed and support trademark and trade secret protection.
Work with engineers, scientists, management, clinical specialists, and executives to translate technology developments into IP protection and support business objectives.
Monitor industry trends and advise on industry and regulatory developments.
Support development and implementation of operational and risk-management processes and procedures.
Escalate issues as appropriate and partner with members of the legal team.
Represent Intuitive Surgical professionally and strategically with customers, regulators, affiliates, and industry trade groups.
Manage outside counsel and control matter costs.