Senior Counsel, IP

Intuitive • Sunnyvale, CA

9d

About The Position

At Intuitive, we are united behind our mission: we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints. As a pioneer and market leader in robotic-assisted surgery, we strive to foster an inclusive and diverse team, committed to making a difference. For more than 25 years, we have worked with hospitals and care teams around the world to help solve some of healthcare's hardest challenges and advance what is possible. Intuitive has been built by the efforts of great people from diverse backgrounds. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere. We strive to foster an inclusive culture built around diversity of thought and mutual respect. We lead with inclusion and empower our team members to do their best work as their most authentic selves. Passionate people who want to make a difference drive our culture. Our team members are grounded in integrity, have a strong capacity to learn, the energy to get things done, and bring diverse, real world experiences to help us think in new ways. We actively invest in our team members to support their long-term growth so they can continue to advance our mission and achieve their highest potential. Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward for a global community of healthcare professionals and their patients. Together, let's advance the world of minimally invasive care. Role Summary We are seeking an exceptional Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property, with deep expertise in patent prosecution, portfolio management, and IP counseling. This strategic legal position sits at the intersection of technology, invention, and business. You will partner with world-class engineers, data scientists, and medical experts to advance Intuitive’s pioneering work in surgical robotics, medical technology, and other high-technology fields. If you are intellectually curious, passionate about innovation, and energized by collaborating across disciplines to tackle complex legal challenges, we invite you to apply to join our dynamic team. Primary Function of Position The Senior Counsel, IP will lead and manage an active patent portfolio, including management of patent application preparation, patent prosecution, and IP strategic development to identify and protect Intuitive’s valuable innovations. The Senior Counsel will provide comprehensive IP-related legal support, including: IP due diligence, litigation support, transactional matters (for example, nondisclosure agreements, licensing agreements, and acquisitions), trademark protection, and trade secret protection. The Senior Counsel will engage directly with engineers, scientists, management, clinical specialists, and executives, to translate technology developments into strong IP protection and support key business objectives. The Senior Counsel should become informed on industry trends and provide advice about industry and regulatory developments as well as development and implementation of operational and risk management processes and procedures. The Senior Counsel will report to the Associate General Counsel of IP, and must escalate issues, as appropriate, and partner with all legal team members. The Senior Counsel must represent Intuitive Surgical with external parties with professionalism and strategic insight, including customers, regulators, affiliates, and industry trade groups.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6+ years experience in intellectual property law as a practitioner at a law firm and/or in-house legal department experience, with a substantial focus on patent prosecution.
• Technical degree, professional background, and/or significant experience related to medical devices, robotics, mechanical engineering, or a related field (electrical engineering or other engineering specialties considered).
• J.D. degree and membership in good standing with the California bar or eligible for immediate registration as a Registered In House Counsel “RHIC”.
• Admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
• Ability to assess legal and business opportunities and risks related to IP assets in support of M&A, investment opportunities, licensing, and purchasing or selling of patent portfolios.
• Exceptional communication and writing skills, able to distill complex technical and legal concepts for varied audiences.
• Ability to closely manage outside counsel and control matter costs.
• Willingness to travel as required, which could include extended trips on occasion.
• Engaging, courageous, and self-directed, accustomed to managing with a collaborative, fact-based approach.
• Collaborative, resourceful and adaptable—able to anticipate needs and navigate a rapidly changing environment.
• Intellectually curious and eager to learn new areas of law and technology and apply knowledge effectively.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2+ years of in-house counsel experience strongly preferred, where responsibilities included patent prosecution and other IP related support (e.g., transactions, litigation, and due diligence).

Responsibilities

• lead and manage an active patent portfolio, including management of patent application preparation, patent prosecution, and IP strategic development to identify and protect Intuitive’s valuable innovations.
• provide comprehensive IP-related legal support, including: IP due diligence, litigation support, transactional matters (for example, nondisclosure agreements, licensing agreements, and acquisitions), trademark protection, and trade secret protection.
• engage directly with engineers, scientists, management, clinical specialists, and executives, to translate technology developments into strong IP protection and support key business objectives.
• become informed on industry trends and provide advice about industry and regulatory developments as well as development and implementation of operational and risk management processes and procedures.
• report to the Associate General Counsel of IP, and must escalate issues, as appropriate, and partner with all legal team members.
• represent Intuitive Surgical with external parties with professionalism and strategic insight, including customers, regulators, affiliates, and industry trade groups.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees