Associate General Counsel

Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America • Atlanta, CA

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About The Position

The Associate General Counsel oversees intellectual property protection, prosecution, and strategic activity for Mercedes-Benz operations in North America. The position leads the North American IP & Patents team and manages U.S.-based patent prosecution for globally developed innovation, ensuring robust protection for new products. The role contributes to global IP strategy, risk, budgeting, and staffing decisions, and serves as the North American point of contact for Standard Essential Patent issues. The position title and level will be commensurate with professional background and experience.

The role works with legal departments, business unit managers, project leaders, external counsel, global IP colleagues, government affairs teams, and outside organizations. Responsibilities include evaluating inventions and third-party rights, overseeing patent filings and licensing work, advising on IP matters and contracts, coordinating IP policy activity, supporting litigation and reviews, and developing IP training and inventor incentive programs.

MBRDNA has locations in Silicon Valley, Atlanta, Ann Arbor, and Carlsbad. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. The role may involve access to export-controlled technology or information and may require an export license or authorization under U.S. law.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, or another science discipline.
• Juris Doctor (JD) law degree.
• 10–12 years of prior experience as an IP attorney at a law firm, in-house, or both.
• Experience with patent portfolio management.
• Licensed attorney in a U.S. state.
• Registered to practice before the USPTO.

Nice To Haves

• Automotive industry IP experience.
• Software industry IP experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the North American IP & Patents team, including patent professionals, paralegals, and administrative assistants.
• Select, interview, hire, and train new IP team members.
• Assess harvested inventions for patentability and evaluate the achievable scope of IP protection in view of company strategy.
• Assist business unit managers and project leaders in implementing the company IP strategy.
• Monitor and evaluate third-party IP rights, assess their relevance, and advise on potential defensive measures.
• Conduct infringement analyses and coordinate IP portfolio licensing efforts with the global IP team.
• Examine the legal status of domestic and foreign IP rights, working with external or foreign attorneys when necessary, particularly when third-party IP issues are suspected.
• Manage outside IP counsel's patent application drafting, filing, and third-party IP analysis activities.
• Keep the company informed about IP policy, legislation, and case law.
• Advise North American Mercedes-Benz legal departments on IP law and strategy and liaise with North American and foreign prosecution and litigation offices.
• Support contract negotiations with third-party technology collaborators, including advising on IP ownership.
• Coordinate IP and technology policy matters with companies, universities, trade groups, and consortiums.
• Develop and provide IP training for cross-functional teams.
• Implement and improve company inventor incentive programs.
• Work with company IP colleagues in North America and abroad.
• Manage U.S.-based patent prosecution for globally developed innovation, maintain outside counsel relationships, and ensure robust IP protection for new products.
• Identify potential IP licensing targets and facilitate third-party outreach and licensing negotiations in North America.
• Develop and execute best practices for company IP creation originating in or entering the United States.
• Participate in the Mercedes-Benz IP leadership team and IP risk board, supporting global decisions on company-wide IP rights, strategy, budgeting, and staffing.
• Coordinate with the U.S. External Affairs team on IP and technology policy, including proposed legislation, trade group policies, congressional communications, and CAFC/SCOTUS amicus briefs.
• Support IP litigation and Inter Partes Reviews involving the company.
• Serve as the North American point of contact for Standard Essential Patent issues, including standards incorporated into vehicle systems and algorithms, potential litigation, and licensing activity involving patent pools and networks.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Up to 15 company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off, including flexible time off for salaried employees, sick time, and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Wellness and fitness reimbursement programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree