Senior Counsel - Intellectual Property

Global Payments Inc.•Denver, CO

About The Position

This role will play a critical part in supporting the company’s innovation and technology strategy, with a primary focus on patent prosecution and intellectual‑property‑driven commercial transactions. The successful candidate will combine deep technical and IP experience with strong business judgment and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, global technology environment. This position is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and to serve as a subject‑matter expert on patent and IP issues within the company. The position offers a senior attorney the rare opportunity to lead innovation strategy while also maintaining high visibility with senior leaders.

Requirements

J.D. from an ABA‑accredited law school and admission to at least one U.S. state bar.
Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
8+ years of experience in patent prosecution and IP counseling, including law firm and/or in‑house experience.
Experience managing outside patent counsel and global IP portfolios.

Nice To Haves

Technical background in software, computer science, or electrical engineering.
Experience in technology, payments, financial services, or SaaS industries.
Experience with international IP strategy and cross‑border transactions.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage global patent prosecution strategies aligned with Global Payments’ technology and product roadmap.
Oversee preparation, filing, and prosecution of U.S. and international patent applications.
Manage outside patent counsel and external service providers.
Partner with engineering and product teams to evaluate invention disclosures and advise on patent strategy.
Draft, review, and negotiate IP‑related commercial agreements, including technology licenses, SaaS agreements, development and collaboration agreements, and strategic partnerships.
Advise internal stakeholders on IP ownership, licensing structures, and risk allocation.
Support IP‑related aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investments.
Provide practical IP counseling to engineering, product, and business teams.
Support IP enforcement, disputes, and coordination with litigation counsel as needed.
Contribute to broader legal department initiatives and process improvements.