Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

Westlake•Houston, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Intellectual Property Counsel serves as a key member of Westlake’s IP legal team, supporting business groups, research centers, manufacturing facilities, M&A clients, and the Information Technology team. The role combines intellectual property, contract, and transactional work. The position is based in Houston, Texas, and currently requires working at the headquarters offices at least three days per week. Up to 10% travel may be required.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree.
Licensed and in good standing to practice law in Texas, or otherwise eligible to practice as an in-house corporate attorney.
Licensed and in good standing at the USPTO.
Strong academic credentials from a top-rated accredited law school.
At least 8 years of experience.
Experience managing corporate intellectual property matters.
Strong writing and verbal skills.
Strong business acumen and the ability to balance legal and business requirements.
Up to 10% travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with a major law firm and in-house corporate experience.

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel and guidance to client groups, including the Performance and Essential Material division and Information Technology group, on intellectual property matters.
Develop and implement strategies to protect intellectual property assets.
Review, draft, and negotiate IP-related contracts and service or subscription agreements, and advise fellow counsel on IP provisions in their contracts.
Support intellectual property aspects of complex transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations.
Advise assigned client groups on whether IP-related litigation is appropriate and lead litigation efforts through external counsel.
Draft and negotiate contracts and provide legal counsel and guidance on other commercial matters.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with businesses, research centers, manufacturing facilities, other company departments, and company management.
Develop and provide training to company personnel on substantive IP topics, such as proper use of company marks.
Manage outside counsel for matters such as patent drafting, prosecution, and enforcement in a budget-minded manner.
Work collaboratively with clients throughout the organization, including other attorneys.