Assistant General Counsel - Trademarks

Caterpillar Inc.•Peoria, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking an Assistant General Counsel – Trademarks to provide strategic leadership for Caterpillar’s global trademark portfolio, protecting and advancing one of the world’s most valuable brands. This role reports to the Head of Trademarks and partners closely with senior business and legal leaders to manage risk, support growth, and ensure strong trademark assets and protection across global markets in a high‑volume, dynamic environment.

Requirements

Deep expertise in U.S. and international trademark law, including prosecution, enforcement, and portfolio management strategies.
Strong business acumen with the ability to align legal strategies to Caterpillar’s long‑term growth and brand objectives.
Vision and understanding of complex cross discipline international IP options to support business objectives.
Proven experience managing outside counsel and vendors including budget management and high‑volume legal workflows.
Excellent executive‑level communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, concise guidance and risk advice.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams across geographies and cultures and excellent teamwork/ networking skills
Understanding of the broader global legal landscape to issue spot and support compliance risk management
The ability to prioritize, execute and make appropriate decisions under pressure
J.D. required
Licensed to practice law in Texas or Illinois, or licensed in another U.S. state and able to become licensed in Texas or Illinois
10+ years of progressively responsible job-related experience

Nice To Haves

In‑house legal experience strongly preferred.
Experience supporting global brands in regulated, multinational environments.
Comfort operating in high‑visibility, fast‑paced, and high‑decision‑volume role

Responsibilities

Provide leadership on global trademark strategy, including prosecution, enforcement, portfolio optimization, and risk management across U.S. and international jurisdictions.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders (VP and above), counseling on complex trademark, brand, and strategic business issues.
Oversee a high‑volume trademark portfolio (300-500 active matters annually) including trademark acquisition advice, clearance, prosecution, maintenance and enforcement actions (counterfeit, seizures and coordination with local law enforcement will be required).
Management of outside counsel globally, including budget oversight, performance management, and vendor strategy.
Support and develop a globally distributed team, including paralegals and support staff, fostering growth, accountability, and operational excellence.
Support subsidiary and product branding initiatives, including trademarks related to technology, AI, digital tools, icons, and media assets.
Partner cross‑functionally to ensure compliance in dynamic geopolitical and sanctions‑impacted environments.
Drive continuous improvement through process optimization, technology adoption, and effective use of AI tools.