Head of Intellectual Property

Formlabs•Somerville, MA

7d•$150,000 - $225,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Head of Intellectual Property owns Formlabs’ patent portfolio strategy, developing metrics to determine which patents to pursue, maintain, or discontinue and evaluating their cost against competitive value. The role sets U.S. and international patent strategy and works closely with R&D and inventors to identify and protect new technologies. It also includes drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications; conducting freedom-to-operate analyses, patentability assessments, and portfolio risk reviews; and managing outside counsel. The position supports IP litigation, opposition proceedings, and enforcement when needed. As part of a lean legal team, the role also advises business leaders on matters beyond intellectual property, including strategic commercial contracts, corporate, commercial, employment, trade compliance, and general litigation support. The position is based on-site in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Requirements

J.D. and admission to at least one state bar.
Registration to practice before the USPTO (patent bar).
Undergraduate degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
Deep expertise in U.S. patent law and working knowledge of major international patent systems.
Experience with trademark and trade secret law.
Track record in patent drafting, prosecution, and portfolio management, including decisions about what to file and what not to file.
At least 3 years at a top-tier law firm focused on patent work.
Willingness to take on generalist legal work and varied business needs.
Ability to work independently in a fast-moving global company while managing multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

In-house legal experience at a hardware or hard-tech company.
Experience with Chinese manufacturing operations.
Experience with matters before the EPO and CNIPA.
Experience with global copyright law, commercial transactions, and licensing agreements.

Responsibilities

Build metrics and criteria for deciding which patents Formlabs pursues, maintains, or discontinues, and track costs against competitive value.
Set global patent strategy across the United States and international markets, evaluating where protection is worth pursuing.
Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications with the USPTO and international patent offices, including the EPO and CNIPA.
Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses, patentability assessments, and portfolio risk reviews.
Partner with R&D and inventors to identify patentable inventions early.
Manage outside counsel for prosecution, opinions, and disputes, balancing cost and quality.
Support IP litigation, opposition proceedings, and enforcement.
Assist with manufacturing, vendor, and supplier agreements and other strategic commercial contracts.
Handle generalist legal matters, including trade compliance and general litigation support.