Senior Legal Counsel, Patents

OpenAI • San Francisco, CA

82d

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Patent Counsel to help shape and scale our patent development program as we continue to innovate rapidly. We’re looking for someone with deep technical experience, particularly in hardware patent prosecution and strategy, who is detail-oriented, highly organized, and thrives in a fast paced environment. You’ll partner closely with world-class engineers and product leaders, ensuring our most important hardware innovations are protected and aligned with business priorities. This role is based in San Francisco, CA. We use a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week and offer relocation assistance to new employees.

Requirements

• 7+ years of patent prosecution experience, with significant expertise in hardware technologies (e.g., circuits, processors, sensors, mechanical systems, or AI hardware).
• BS or graduate degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related hardware-focused field (advanced degree preferred).
• JD and admitted to a state bar.
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office registration.
• Proven ability to develop patent strategy for hardware platforms, from invention harvesting to portfolio shaping.
• Strong technical background; AI or software experience a plus.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting both hardware and software patent applications.
• Experience counseling engineering teams and cross-functional partners on IP strategy.
• Ability to identify broader IP issues, such as licensing or trade secrets, for appropriate escalation or counseling.
• Detail-oriented, with exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Prior in-house experience managing a patent portfolio is a plus.
• Experience with IP licensing, open source, or other complementary IP disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead patent portfolio development for hardware and related activities, including proactive invention identification, application preparation, and prosecution.
• Partner closely with engineering, product, and design teams to identify strategic hardware innovations and craft high-value patent filings.
• Manage outside counsel activities related to both hardware and software patent prosecution.
• Develop and execute patent strategy for hardware systems, aligning IP protection with business and technical priorities.
• Help scale patent development processes to support rapid growth.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance to new employees.
• Hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees