Patent Counsel

Magna International • Troy, MI

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The successful candidate will be a qualified Patent Counsel who can work in a collaborative global IP team environment and interact with various engineering, commercial and legal colleagues on strategic initiatives within the broad Magna organization. The position is based at Magna’s hybrid office located in Troy, Michigan.

Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience either at a law firm in patent prosecution or in-house in a corporate/patent legal team.
• State Bar Membership (any state) and U.S. Patent Attorney Registration required.
• Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Control Systems, Software Engineering or Computer Science.
• Juris Doctor Degree.
• Experience/knowledge of electronic, electro-mechanical, mechanical, optical products, controls, software in the field of automotive.
• Excellent strategic IP and legal skills, including the ability to effectively manage a large patent portfolio and associated processes, negotiate contracts, investigate disputes, and propose solutions to mitigate IP and legal risks.
• Solid business acumen and judgment, including the ability to set priorities, align plans, and work effectively with multiple stakeholders to develop practical solutions to a broad range of legal and business problems.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate to Senior Business Leaders complex issues clearly and to be persuasive in a manner that is both direct and diplomatic.
• Ability to build solid relationships across a diverse group of global colleagues having a wide array of professional and cultural backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Advise Groups within the organization, especially Magna Electronics, on effective IP Management including the scope, jurisdiction, and timing of patent filings including coordination of technical assessments, engagement with external attorneys, development of processes.
• Lead investigations within Magna Electronics or other Groups as required of perceived, potential, or alleged infringement of IP rights including providing strategic advice to mitigate any risks.
• Work closely with colleagues in the Magna Global Corporate IP Team to develop and implement strategic initiatives across all the Groups.
• Coordinate searches and opinions for disputes, clearances or novelty.
• Prepare and review legal agreements as needed for a variety of IP transactions.
• Advise on any M&A activities concerning patent and IP matters.
• Partner with engineering leadership and inventors to further the strategic objectives of each Magna group concerning patents and intellectual property.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior