Assistant General Counsel VP, Intellectual Property

H.B. Fuller•St. Paul, MN

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2024 revenue of $3.6 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,500 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets. Learn more at www.hbfuller.com. We, at H.B. Fuller, embrace a shared set of beliefs and competencies that direct the way we operate and express our fundamental principles about how we will achieve success. We strive to hire talent that demonstrates our beliefs and our competencies. The Assistant General Counsel VP, Intellectual Property reports to the General Counsel and has primary, global responsibility for the development, protection, enforcement, and strategic use of the Company’s intellectual property assets, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and related IP rights worldwide. This role provides strategic legal counsel to senior leadership, leads the global IP function, and manages an attorney, a patent agent, patent coordinators, IP paralegals, and a law/billing clerk. The role is responsible for managing external IP professionals and related budgets globally, including filing/prosecution, maintenance/renewals, and oppositions/conflicts. This position represents a significant legal leadership contribution directly to senior leadership and demonstrates enterprise-wide leadership capability.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) with USPTO registration (U.S.) or licensed Patent Attorney qualified for EPO practice (Germany/Portugal)
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
Minimum 14+ years of progressive experience in intellectual property law, including significant in-house experience
Demonstrated expertise in patents, trademarks, IP transactions, and IP risk management in a global business environment
Fluent in English
Active bar membership in good standing (or equivalent jurisdiction)
Strong leadership, communication, judgment, and strategic decision-making skills

Nice To Haves

Proven ability to manage global patent portfolios across multiple jurisdictions
Expertise navigating intellectual property considerations in emerging markets
Strong track record of leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams
Technical acumen in adhesive chemistry or related field
Recognized as a strategic and collaborative business partner
Skilled in advising executive leadership and Boards on IP strategy, M&A, and risk

Responsibilities

Define and implement a global IP strategy aligned with business objectives; oversee policies, processes, and standards for IP creation, protection, and use
Develop and manage an in-house IP team of experts
Proactively provide business unit reviews for patents, trade secrets, and trademarks to effectively manage spend while optimizing value
Maintain trade secret and formula security policies
Deliver tailored global training programs on patents, trademarks, and trade secrets
Provide legal advice on IP risks and opportunities, including non-infringement and invalidity assessments
Counsel on and implement IP holding structures and intercompany licensing globally
Lead licensing and joint development agreements
Support non-IP attorneys with IP provisions in commercial agreements (e.g., supply, contract manufacturing) to protect Company IP and mitigate risk
Oversee global IP disputes, oppositions, and enforcement strategies
Partner with legal teams to address IP risks and protect Company assets in commercial activities
Customize IP due diligence strategies and advise on deal risk mitigation
Set integration strategies to ensure effective understanding and utilization of acquired IP