Patent Counsel I

Snap•Santa Monica, CA

3d•$147,000 - $259,000•Onsite

About The Position

Snap Inc. is seeking a Patent Counsel to join its IP Team. The role partners with business and product teams to develop a world-class patent portfolio and participates in the full range of patent program activities, including securing protection for inventions, conducting invention disclosure sessions, and managing U.S. and international patent prosecution. The Patent Counsel also supports patent education and training, identifies acquisition opportunities, and handles other intellectual property matters involving litigation, licensing, commercial and M&A transactions, and open source software counseling. Snap’s Legal & Policy Team serves as an in-house legal and policy advisor across matters including privacy, product, intellectual property, commercial transactions, corporate governance, employment, acquisitions, litigation, policy, and social impact. Snap follows a “default together” approach, expecting team members to work in an office four or more days per week. The position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs. Starting salary depends on pay zone: Zone A (CA, WA, NYC), $173,000–$259,000 annually; Zone B, $164,000–$246,000 annually; and Zone C, $147,000–$220,000 annually.

Requirements

USPTO registration.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field of study.
Juris Doctor degree.
At least 4 years of patent drafting and prosecution experience.
Valid California bar registration, or another state bar registration plus eligibility for Registered In House Counsel status.
Patent analysis skills, including patentability, patent-claiming strategies, and development of non-infringement and invalidity positions.
Excellent legal and business judgment, strategic thinking, and ability to manage multiple matters at once.
Outstanding communication and organization skills.
Detail-oriented, business-friendly, and collaborative approach, with ability to accommodate tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Experience handling patent assertions and litigation, patent licensing, and M&A.
Experience counseling on open source compliance and mitigating associated risks, including impacts on patent rights.

Nice To Haves

Experience across a wide range of technological areas, preferably including both hardware and software.

Responsibilities

Work with business and product teams to build a world-class patent portfolio.
Participate in all aspects of the patent program, including securing patent protection for inventions.
Conduct invention disclosure sessions with inventors.
Manage U.S. and international patent prosecution.
Conduct education and training sessions.
Identify patent acquisition opportunities.
Support litigation, licensing, commercial and M&A transactions, and other IP matters.
Counsel on open source software projects.