Sr Counsel, IP

Kohler Co.•Kohler, WI

21h•$118,650 - $183,650•Onsite

About The Position

Partner with business leaders, internal and external counsel, and enterprise functions to develop and implement intellectual property strategies supporting Company objectives. Provide proactive, timely legal advice and effective business solutions. Work actively with legal personnel to foster positive team engagement and culture, serving as a lead subject-matter expert and resource among the team. Manage portions of the Company’s patent and global trademark portfolios. Patent responsibilities include partnering with product development teams, coordinating clearance searches, conducting high-level patentability and landscape searches, coordinating global filings, managing pending and issued matters, and managing budgets. Trademark responsibilities include clearance and availability assessments, coordinating domestic and international filings, portfolio maintenance, enforcement, and strategic alignment with business objectives. Support marketing and advertising initiatives by advising on regulatory compliance and applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. Advise business partners on intellectual property matters, including copyright, brand protection, content use, and related risk management. Provide strategic legal guidance, build effective partnerships with organizational leaders, communicate and negotiate with external parties, and contribute to talent engagement, organizational improvement, innovation, compliance, and business ethics. Use technology and data-management tools, including advanced Excel proficiency, to support legal and business decision-making. The position is onsite in Kohler, Wisconsin. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship now or in the future. The salary range is $118,650–$183,650, with the specific offer potentially influenced by experience, education, and work location. The position is also eligible for a performance bonus or variable incentive compensation.

Requirements

Four-year undergraduate college education resulting in a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.
Three years of law school leading to an L.L.B. or J.D. degree.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin.
USPTO Registration (patent bar).
At least 3 years of applicable experience as a producing lawyer with a private firm.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Previous corporate legal department experience is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

Manage a portion of the Company’s patent portfolio, partnering with product development teams and coordinating clearance searches, high-level patentability and landscape searches, global filings, pending and issued matters, and budgets.
Manage a portion of the Company’s global trademark portfolio, including clearance and availability assessments, domestic and international filings, portfolio maintenance, enforcement, and alignment with business objectives.
Advise on regulatory compliance for marketing and advertising initiatives.
Advise business partners on intellectual property matters, including copyright, brand protection, content use, and related risk management.
Provide proactive, timely legal advice and effective, solutions-oriented counsel.
Guide organizational leaders through partnership, education, and influence.
Communicate and negotiate with external parties, including regulators, external counsel, and public authorities.
Manage workload and solve problems using technology, sound judgment, decision-making, and effective workload management.
Champion talent and engagement within the legal team and the broader organization.
Drive continuous organizational improvement, innovation, consumer impact, prioritization, compliance, and business ethics.
Analyze big data and use Excel and other data-management tools to support legal and business decision-making.
Collaborate and build relationships through business acumen, conflict navigation, and effective communication.