Director, Intellectual Property

Woodward L'Orange•Fort Collins, CO

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

Provide strategic intellectual property (IP) legal leadership for Woodward’s Aerospace segment by identifying and managing IP-related risks and opportunities, advising business and engineering stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This role leads the drafting, review, and negotiation of IP and development agreements; implements the enterprise IP strategy and program within the Aerospace segment; oversees IP harvesting, processing, protection, and asset management (including managing outside counsel) within the Aerospace segment; supports M&A transactions through IP due diligence and risk identification; and mentors/educates team members to strengthen IP awareness and execution across the organization.

Requirements

Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of relevant IP laws, regulations, and legal precedents to effectively guide the organization’s IP strategy implementation.
Develops and implements long-term legal strategies that align with the company’s business objectives and mitigate potential risks.
Provides strong leadership to the legal team, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring high performance and professional growth.
Identifies, assesses, and mitigates IP legal risks to protect the organization from potential liabilities and ensure compliance.
Expertly negotiates contracts, licenses, and agreements to secure favorable outcomes for the organization.
Communicates complex legal concepts clearly and effectively to stakeholders, including executives, employees, and external partners.
Manages multiple legal projects efficiently, ensuring deadlines are met and resources are effectively allocated.
Upholds the highest ethical standards, ensuring the organization’s actions comply with legal and moral guidelines.
Stays current with evolving laws and industry trends, adapting legal strategies to address new challenges and opportunities.
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school is required.
Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the relevant country and jurisdiction(s).
Registered as a Patent Attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
At least 10 years of experience.
Aerospace and/or manufacturing experience.
In-house experience.
Must be a U.S. Person within the meaning of ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and practical IP guidance to the Aerospace segment and overall organization by identifying legal risks and opportunities, ensuring that all business activities comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Oversee and assist in the drafting, review, and negotiation of all IP and development agreements to protect the company’s IP interests and mitigate potential liabilities within the Aerospace segment.
Identify potential IP related risks related to business operations and develop strategies and solutions to manage and minimize those risks effectively.
Implement the enterprise-wide IP strategy and IP program within Aerospace segment.
Mentor and educate Woodward members about IP strategy and program, fostering a collaborative environment with Engineering and other departments within the Aerospace segment.
Manage outside counsel support of IP asset management within the Aerospace segment.
Manage the harvesting, processing, and protecting of intellectual property within the Aerospace segment.
Support M&A transactions in performing due diligence and identifying risks associated with the acquisition and divestment of IP assets.

Benefits

Annual cash bonus opportunity
401(k) match (4.5%)
Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities
12 paid holidays, including floating holidays.
Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.
Paid parental leave.
Adoption Assistance
Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
Member referral bonus
Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
Voluntary benefits, including: Home / Auto Insurance discounts Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave