Patent Counsel

Whirlpool • Benton Harbor, MI

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position will be responsible for implementing the legal strategy and providing legal advice to ensure that Whirlpool’s current and future innovations are protected. This position reports through the law department to the Legal Director, Patents & Intellectual Property Litigation. At Whirlpool, the Patent Counsel role is expected to bring leadership and expertise in the area of patents, trade secrets, and innovation protection to Whirlpool’s business units, the law department, and in administrative and judicial proceedings. You will help ensure Whirlpool’s unique and compelling innovations are a core driver of Whirlpool’s success in product leadership and improving life at home.
This role is located at our Global Headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan and requires full onsite attendance, Monday through Friday. A comprehensive relocation package is available for eligible candidates.

Requirements

• JD from an accredited law school, with strong academic credentials and Bar Admission
• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3+ years of legal experience as an attorney in the field of intellectual property, including patents.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in patent or trade secret litigation, IP transactions, patent monetization, and global patent portfolio management are highly desirable
• Bachelor’s Degree in a math, physics, engineering or other technology-focused field
• Ability to prioritize and manage a large volume of concurrent projects
• Strong analytical, organization, communication, and project management skills
• Preferably admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Responsibilities

• Developing and executing intellectual property protection strategies related to assigned Whirlpool innovation and technology areas
• Advising on patent strategy, and managing the filing, prosecution, and maintenance of Whirlpool’s global patent portfolio
• Negotiating intellectual property-related contracts, including M&A, confidentiality, development, and license agreements, and assisting in negotiation of more general commercial agreements, including procurement and service agreements
• Investigating and pursuing opportunities to enforce Whirlpool’s intellectual property and monetize its intellectual property assets
• Establishing product clearance plans and reviewing and advising on freedom-to-operate risks
• Providing intellectual property advice and training to the engineering and business teams
• Developing and improving the processes and systems that enable the patent function within the law department to efficiently deliver a sophisticated intellectual property strategy
• Provide thought leadership in advancing Whirlpool’s business strategy through intellectual property
• Drive strategic legal projects forward, including building relationships and inspiring cross-functional collaboration
• Design and implement efficient and effective processes for meeting the business’s need for legal strategies and support
• Recognize and cut to the core of legal issues and then provide a practical, business-oriented approach to problem solving
• Be relied upon to effectively and independently manage projects
• Communicate clearly and concisely with technical and non-technical audiences, both in writing and verbally

Benefits

• Generous benefits package
• Whirlpool employee discount
• fitness & educational reimbursement programs
• kitchenettes
• Beautiful, recently renovated office space
• Barista Bar
• biking/walking trails
• access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required)
• Always On Flexibility
• Two-Week Work from Anywhere
• Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.

What This Job Offers

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