Counsel/Senior Counsel, IP

Intuitive•Sunnyvale, CA

19h

About The Position

We are seeking an exceptional Counsel/Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property, with deep expertise in patent portfolio management, IP-related transactions, and IP counseling. This strategic legal position sits at the intersection of technology, invention, and business. You will partner with world-class engineers, data scientists, and medical experts to advance Intuitive’s pioneering work in surgical robotics, medical technology, and other high-technology fields. If you are intellectually curious, passionate about innovation, and energized by collaborating across disciplines to tackle complex legal challenges, we invite you to apply to join our dynamic team. The Counsel/Senior Counsel, IP will lead and manage an active patent portfolio, including management of patent application preparation, patent prosecution, and IP strategic development to identify and protect Intuitive’s valuable innovations. The Counsel/Senior Counsel, IP will support a wide variety of IP-related transactional matters, including NDAs and other agreements covering collaboration, product development, and suppliers. The Counsel/Senior Counsel, IP will support strategic deals and investments, such as M&A and licensing, including conducting IP-related due diligence, crafting and negotiating deal agreements, and advising on IP-related deal strategies. The Counsel/Senior Counsel will provide additional comprehensive IP-related legal support, including: litigation support (as needed), trademark protection, and trade secret protection. The Counsel/Senior Counsel will engage directly with engineers, scientists, management, clinical specialists, and executives, to translate technology developments into strong IP protection and support key business objectives. The Counsel/Senior Counsel should become informed on industry trends and provide advice about industry and regulatory developments as well as development and implementation of operational and risk management processes and procedures. The Counsel/Senior Counsel will report to the Associate General Counsel, IP Strategy, and must escalate issues, as appropriate, and partner with all legal team members. The Counsel/Senior Counsel must represent Intuitive Surgical with external parties with professionalism and strategic insight, including customers, regulators, affiliates, and industry trade groups.

Requirements

Minimum of 6+ years experience in intellectual property law as a practitioner at a law firm and/or in-house legal department experience, with a substantial focus on patent prosecution.
At least 2+ years of in-house counsel experience strongly preferred, where responsibilities included patent portfolio management as well as IP-related transactions (with support of litigation and due diligence a plus).
Technical degree, professional background, and/or significant experience related to medical devices, robotics, mechanical engineering, or a related field (electrical engineering or other engineering specialties considered).
J.D. degree and membership in good standing with the California bar or eligible for immediate registration as a Registered In House Counsel “RHIC”.
Admitted 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 purchasing or selling of patent portfolios.
Exceptional communication and writing skills, able to distill complex technical and legal concepts for varied audiences.
Ability to closely manage outside counsel and control matter costs.
Willingness to travel as required, which could include extended trips on occasion.

Nice To Haves

Engaging, courageous, and self-directed, accustomed to managing with a collaborative, fact-based approach.
Collaborative, resourceful and adaptable—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.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage an active patent portfolio, including management of patent application preparation, patent prosecution, and IP strategic development to identify and protect Intuitive’s valuable innovations.
Support a wide variety of IP-related transactional matters, including NDAs and other agreements covering collaboration, product development, and suppliers.
Support strategic deals and investments, such as M&A and licensing, including conducting IP-related due diligence, crafting and negotiating deal agreements, and advising on IP-related deal strategies.
Provide additional comprehensive IP-related legal support, including: litigation support (as needed), trademark protection, and trade secret protection.
Engage directly with engineers, scientists, management, clinical specialists, and executives, to translate technology developments into strong IP protection and support key business objectives.
Become informed on industry trends and provide advice about industry and regulatory developments as well as development and implementation of operational and risk management processes and procedures.
Report to the Associate General Counsel, IP Strategy, and must escalate issues, as appropriate, and partner with all legal team members.
Represent Intuitive Surgical with external parties with professionalism and strategic insight, including customers, regulators, affiliates, and industry trade groups.