Sr. Principal IP legal Counsel

MiniMed•Northridge, CA

4d•$164,000 - $309,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Principal IP Counsel provides intellectual property advice and counsel for MiniMed and reports directly to the VP, Chief Intellectual Property Officer. The role implements global IP strategies and leads or supports IP mergers and acquisitions, litigation and freedom-to-operate activities, licensing transactions, and advice to R&D and business teams. It delivers clear, concise, actionable, practical, and solutions-oriented legal advice and work product, including communicating IP advice succinctly to management. The position focuses primarily on IP M&A, IP litigation and freedom-to-operate, IP agreements, and patent portfolio monetization. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in at least one of IP M&A or IP litigation/freedom-to-operate, as well as demonstrated experience in IP agreements and the other core practice area. The role collaborates regularly with in-house IP attorneys supporting Pumps, Sensors, and Algorithms technologies to develop creative IP solutions. The position may be based on a hybrid schedule of three days per week in-office at a MiniMed hub in Northridge, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; or Atlanta, Georgia. Remote applicants will also be considered. The role is with MiniMed, a standalone, publicly traded medical device company focused on diabetes care.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a top-tier, nationally accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
At least 8 years of experience as an attorney in intellectual property law.
Licensed to practice in at least one U.S. state or the District of Columbia.
Deep expertise in at least one of IP M&A or IP litigation/freedom-to-operate, with demonstrated experience in IP agreements and the other core practice area.
Excellent judgment, strong strategic and analytical thinking, and ability to manage multiple projects at once.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and demands while remaining organized.
Ability to thrive amid ambiguity and make decisions amid competing demands and activities.
Ability to develop compelling presentations, engage senior leaders confidently, and translate complex information into business language.
Strong commitment to company values.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a similar scientific discipline.
Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Medical device experience.
Experience with pumps and sensors and associated software, algorithms, data science, and AI.
Both in-house and law firm experience.
Proficiency in engineering, creative abilities, and understanding of scientific principles.
Understanding of basic business concepts, strategies, and risks.

Responsibilities

Execute all aspects of the creation and management of intellectual property.
Work with R&D and business development teams to proactively develop and implement IP strategies aligned with business strategy and objectives.
Advise R&D, business development, and business leadership as a strategic partner on IP strategies aligned with MiniMed’s long-term objectives.
Lead and support identification, assessment, and management of IP risk for MiniMed’s pipeline, including global freedom-to-operate evaluations and oversight of opinions of counsel when necessary.
Lead and oversee patent litigation, pre-suit assessments, and patent office proceedings, including USPTO post-grant proceedings and EPO patent oppositions.
Lead and support IP due diligence for mergers and acquisitions using a solution-focused approach.
Draft, negotiate, and advise on complex IP agreements, including patent licensing, joint-development, material transfer, and acquisition agreements.
Direct, develop, and analyze patent-searching strategies for patentability, invalidity, and competitive landscapes.
Maintain awareness of competitors’ products and activities.
Manage outside counsel and third-party vendor spending within budget constraints; set strategy, scope, budgets, timelines, and expected outcomes for significant matters.
Develop strategic relationships with business leaders, marketing, business development, and R&D to integrate IP into operating-unit strategy and provide IP advice and counsel.
Manage stakeholder expectations through proactive, clear communication.
Partner with portfolio strategy, upstream marketing, business development, and competitive intelligence teams on landscaping for future opportunities.
Educate internal stakeholders on IP activities, competition, and the outcomes of IP strategy execution.
Manage outside counsel to deliver key work on time and within budget.
Share insights and best practices across the IP team.
Partner with other legal functions to deliver optimal outcomes for MiniMed.

Benefits

Competitive salary and flexible benefits package.
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Health Savings Account access.
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account access.
Life insurance.
Long-term disability leave.
Dependent daycare spending account.
Incentive plans.
401(k) plan with company match.
Short-term disability coverage.
Paid time off and holidays.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Employee Assistance Program.
Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement for eligible employees, subject to IRS minimum earnings requirements.
Capital Accumulation Plan for eligible employees, subject to IRS minimum earnings requirements.
Short-term incentive (STI).
Annual long-term incentive plan.