Head of Intellectual Property

Formlabs•Somerville, MA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Formlabs is hiring a Head of Intellectual Property to own the company’s patent portfolio strategy and build metrics that guide a global approach. The role partners closely with R&D and inventors to identify and protect technologies that support Formlabs’ growth. As part of a lean legal team, the position also advises business leaders globally on matters beyond intellectual property, including corporate, commercial, employment, and general litigation matters. The role is based on-site in Somerville, Massachusetts. Formlabs builds 3D printers and related technology used by more than 50,000 industry leaders worldwide.

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.
Ability to read and understand claim charts and underlying patent specifications.
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 substantive decisions about what to file and what not to file.
At least 3 years at a top-tier law firm focused on patent work.
Interest in expanding into generalist legal work and taking on business needs beyond patent matters.
Comfort working 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

Own patent portfolio value by defining metrics and criteria for deciding which patents to file, maintain, or cut, and tracking cost against competitive value.
Set global patent strategy across the United States and international markets, considering cross-border risks and where protection is worthwhile.
Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications before the USPTO and international offices, including the EPO and CNIPA.
Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses, patentability assessments, and portfolio risk reviews.
Partner with R&D to identify patentable inventions early.
Manage outside counsel on prosecution, opinions, and disputes, with attention to cost and quality.
Support IP litigation, opposition proceedings, and enforcement as needed.
Assist with manufacturing, vendor, and supplier agreements and other strategic commercial contracts.
Handle other general legal matters as they arise, including trade compliance and general litigation support.