IP Counsel, Patents

Anthropic•San Francisco, CA

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

About the role We are seeking an experienced and strategic IP Counsel to join our growing legal team. In this role, you will provide comprehensive IP guidance across the organization, with particular depth in patent strategy. You will work closely with our product, research, and technical teams to help support Anthropic's organic patent portfolio development while also advising on the full spectrum of IP matters. You will partner closely with the Head of IP and other IP legal colleagues to help design and implement an IP program that protects Anthropic's innovations, supports the company's growth, and is aligned with the company’s mission.

Requirements

Hold a JD and are an active member of at least one U.S. state bar
Are registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Have substantial patent experience, including invention harvesting, prosecution, and portfolio development, along with working knowledge of the broader IP spectrum, including trademarks, trade secrets, and open source
Have worked directly with engineers, researchers, or product teams to identify and protect inventions, and can explain IP concepts clearly to people who aren't lawyers
Have contributed to and helped implement IP strategies in a rapidly evolving technical environments
Experience balancing legal protection with business practicality in a collaborative setting

Nice To Haves

10+ years of legal experience with demonstrated expertise across the IP spectrum particularly in patents
Active membership in the California bar
Advanced degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical field
Deep expertise in one or more IP areas beyond patents
Experience with AI, machine learning, or related cutting-edge technologies
Experience analyzing and responding to third-party patent assertions, or evaluating patent acquisitions and licensing transactions
Experience practicing in-house at a technology company, or otherwise supporting technology clients through periods of rapid growth

Responsibilities

Support and contribute to our organic patent development process, including invention harvesting, drafting oversight, prosecution management, and coordination with outside counsel
Partner in developing and implementing comprehensive patent strategies in the U.S. and internationally that align with Anthropic's business objectives and technology roadmap
Provide broad IP guidance across the organization, with the ability to identify and address potential IP issues across patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and open source
Support analysis and response to third-party patent demands, and evaluate strategic patent acquisition and licensing opportunities
Conduct IP due diligence for M&A transactions and strategic partnerships
Advise on IP aspects of commercial agreements, including licenses, joint development agreements, and technology transfers, educating technical teams on best practices to protect Anthropic's innovations