Sr. Counsel - Intellectual Property

Battelle • Columbus, VA

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
We are seeking an Intellectual Property (IP) Attorney with 8 years of experience to support high-priority IP licensing and technology agreements, including administration of existing license obligations and related data cleanup/validation. The role also supports IP diligence for strategic transactions, disputes/enforcement coordination, cross-functional IP risk counseling, government IP rights (FAR/DFARS, subject inventions, data rights), and patent prosecution activities in partnership with outside counsel.
This position is based in Columbus, OH or the D.C. Metro areas.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to a U.S. state bar (active and in good standing); U.S. Patent Bar registration (or eligibility) and an undergraduate technical degree (science/engineering) are preferred.
• 8 years of intellectual property-focused legal experience, with significant experience in IP licensing and technology agreements.
• Strong negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills; ability to deliver strategic, practical, business-oriented advice and influence senior stakeholders.
• Patent prosecution experience, including partnering with inventors and internal stakeholders to gather technical and business information for filings; managing outside counsel; supporting drafting/review of applications; and driving prosecution decisions and workflows (e.g., searches, office action responses, examiner interviews, and maintenance coordination).
• Experience with (or strong willingness to learn) government IP rights and clauses, including subject inventions and data rights; familiarity with FAR/DFARS is strongly preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and follow-through; ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced environment and work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Comfort with IP operations and systems; experience with (or willingness to learn) tools such as Legal Tracker, MDC, CPA Global, Anaqua, or similar platforms.
• Business-oriented judgment and a solutions-first mindset.
• Team-oriented and collaborative; effective in a nimble, agile legal team and cross-functional environment.
• Highly organized with strong follow-through; able to manage multiple matters simultaneously.
• Clear, concise communicator who can influence stakeholders.
• Comfort with ambiguity and rapid change; eager to learn new tools and subject matter.

Nice To Haves

• Combination of law firm and in-house experience preferred; Ohio or Maryland bar admission is a plus.
• Experience supporting IP diligence in M&A transactions and/or government contracting IP issues (subject inventions/data rights; FAR/DFARS).
• Interest in artificial intelligence and supporting AI governance-related work.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements (licensing, MSAs/standalone agreements, NDAs, strategic partnerships, and related commercial terms), with emphasis on client-funded/sponsored work.
• Support review and administration of existing IP license agreements (key terms, reporting obligations, and compliance); assist in tracking down supporting documentation (e.g., certificates of insurance, royalty reports/payments, notices) from internal stakeholders and external counterparties; and validate/update records and perform agreement audits.
• Partner with leadership and cross-functional teams (product, engineering, R&D, marketing, contracts, and business teams) to provide practical guidance on IP risk, licensing positions, and commercialization opportunities; support IP diligence for strategic transactions and conduct scope clearances.
• Advise on and support compliance with government IP rights and contracting clauses (subject inventions, data rights, and applicable FAR/DFARS requirements).
• Support patent prosecution and portfolio management, including reviewing invention disclosures and partnering with the business to assess patentability, strategic value, and filing priorities; gather technical and business information from inventors and stakeholders to support drafting and prosecution; coordinate with outside counsel on drafting, filing, and prosecution strategies; and conduct prior art searches.
• Support development of the company’s IP strategy and help create and maintain IP and AI policies and practical playbooks (particularly for the contracts team); provide IP guidance and training to cross-functional teams.
• Support emerging-technology initiatives; support IP enforcement and dispute resolution.

Benefits

• Compressed work schedule allowing for every other Friday off
• Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office, 40% remote)
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits
• Optional supplemental benefits
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior