Lead Sr. Counsel, Intellectual Property, SEP

Lenovo•Morrisville, NC

1d•$176,300 - $270,365•Hybrid

About The Position

Lenovo is a global technology powerhouse with a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All. We are seeking a Lead Sr. Counsel, Intellectual Property, SEP to join our legal team. This role will collaborate with global researchers to grow Lenovo’s SEP portfolios, lead a global team, manage outside counsel, and support business transactions. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of SEP technologies, patent law, and experience in patent management and team leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical, Computer Engineering, Signal Processing, or related disciplines
Understanding of 3GPP and Wi-Fi technologies as well as deep knowledge of rules and practices of patenting software and cellular/Wi-Fi standards worldwide
Patent Agent/Attorney Qualification in the US, China, or Europe; In depth understanding of PCT/WIPO, US, and China patent law, filing, and prosecution strategies
10+ years of experience with patent preparation, filing, prosecution, and patent management, preferably in a patent department of a global technology company or an international patent law firm
Proven people management experience including performance management, talent development, and team leadership
Ability to manage high complexity tasks in patent related matters to assist Lenovo business groups
Ability to improve and optimize internal processes through analysis of SEP filings and SEP related data to achieve higher business efficiency
Intense commitment to high moral standards and business ethics
Top notch communication and teambuilding skills, including fluency in English
Strong organizational and operational skills
Personable collaborator who can work successfully and build relationships with internal stakeholders and external parties to achieve business goals
Strong ability to identify challenges and develop and adapt to changes to achieve business and corporate goals
Strategic thinker with a broad perspective and an analytical thinker with enough creativity to synthesize new and automated processes and solutions to old problems
Bachelor's Degree
10+ years of legal/technical experience

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Prior experience as an engineer for a telecommunications company
Experience with FRAND, SEP licensing, and SEP litigation
Experience managing global teams across North America, Europe, and Asia
Experience applying AI technologies to enhance patent portfolio operations
Project management experience

Responsibilities

Collaborate with global Lenovo wireless researchers to grow Lenovo’s SEP portfolios in cellular and Wi-Fi standards
Lead, coach, and develop a global team of SEP Portfolio Managers and Paralegals, including setting priorities, allocating resources, providing performance feedback, and ensuring consistent execution of SEP workflows and portfolio quality across regions
Manage review of work product of Lenovo Outside Counsel, including patent drafts and proposed strategies prepared by Lenovo Outside Counsel
Develop and verify SEP claim charts via standard technical specifications, including those of 3GPP and Wi-Fi
Review portfolio to track SEP spending in new filings, prosecution, and annuity payment
Identify and prepare SEPs for litigation
Perform validity and essentiality analysis
Support business transactions including patent assignments, patent sales, and patent acquisitions