Senior IP Attorney

Eastman Chemical Company•Kingsport, TN

About The Position

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com. Position Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Attorney to join our global IP practice. In this role, you will collaborate with technology and business leaders to develop and implement effective IP strategies and provide guidance regarding cross-functional IP issues that arise.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline from an accredited institution (Chemistry or Chemical Engineering preferred, with Ph.D. in chemistry highly preferred).
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Minimum of 5 years as a Patent and IP attorney, with a focus on chemistry or chemical engineering.
This experience should include: Inhouse experience is preferred
Patent preparation and prosecution, including oversight of international counsel.
Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements addressing significant IP issues.
Providing legal advice on patent, trade secret, and related matters.
Identifying potential issues, assessing risks, and offering strategic counsel.
Experience with trademark law or an aptitude and willingness to train and to become proficient in trademark law.
Registration as a Patent Attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Membership in a State Bar with the ability to waive into the Tennessee Bar.
A strong interest in and commitment to continuous learning about technological advancements and business strategies.
A collaborative and communicative mindset, with a strong ability to work across teams and functions.

Nice To Haves

Candidates with 8+ years of experience are preferred.
Leadership experience is a plus.
Proven experience in drafting and negotiating IP agreements and related clauses is a plus.
Experience overseeing administrative and court proceedings related to patent and/or trademark matters, both defending Eastman patents and managing challenges filed by others is a plus.

Responsibilities

Partner with technology, business and legal colleagues to formulate and to execute IP strategies that include pursuing patents and trademarks and assuring protection of trade secrets and other confidential information.
Collaborate with scientists and engineers to identify patentable inventions and to prepare patent applications.
Manage the filing and prosecution of U.S. patent applications while overseeing international patent firms in their filings and prosecutions.
Work with IP leadership and client organizations to determine when freedom-to-operate assessments are necessary in both the patent and trademark space, conducting these assessments with a focus on infringement and validity, and supervising the preparation of legal opinions and/or validity challenges by external counsel where warranted.
Serve as Trademark counsel for the North American Region.
Partner with businesses, branding and marketing organizations as well as OUS inhouse Trademark counsel to develop and to execute US branding strategies.
File and prosecute Trademark applications in the US.
Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements and advise on IP provisions in commercial contracts, licenses and other agreements.
Provide comprehensive and informed counseling on IP issues to stakeholders across technology, manufacturing, and business functions, including guidance on patent versus trade secret decisions.

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