IP Counsel

Join Waymo's Legal team as an IP Counsel, where you will work on legal issues surrounding autonomous driving technology and help drive business lines forward. You will manage a global patent portfolio, advise business teams on IP issues, collaborate cross-functionally, and ensure compliance with global regulations. This hybrid role reports to an Assistant General Counsel and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

• Strategically build and manage a global patent portfolio for key technology areas, including lidar, radar, camera, and compute.
• Advise business teams, product managers, engineers, and researchers on IP issues and provide counseling on IP terms in transactional matters.
• Collaborate cross-functionally, with other legal team members and partnerships, product, and technical teams, on IP-related issues in agreements with partners, suppliers, vendors, and academic institutions.

• Solid technical background/understanding of technology used in autonomous vehicles, sensor hardware, or semiconductors
• JD degree with a strong academic record, state bar membership, admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and 6+ years of relevant legal experience
• Demonstrated experience in: managing a global patent portfolio and patent analysis, providing direct counseling to engineering and research teams, and advising on IP terms in commercial or collaboration agreements
• Experience with understanding cross-functional perspectives and navigating ambiguity. Ability to identify and create streamlined processes to support a growing company
• Eagerness to work in a startup environment and flexibly roll up your sleeves as an individual contributor to help drive our fast-paced and dynamic business within an emerging and rapidly developing industry
• Execution-oriented individual with strong interpersonal, communication, and team skills. Experience presenting to senior management and technical teams
• Prior in-house experience working side-by-side with engineering, product, partnerships, marketing, and leadership teams to spot, address, and counsel on IP issues
• Experience developing integrated IP strategies that support business goals, spanning patent prosecution, technology licensing, and patent litigation
• Demonstrated experience in: patent acquisition, licensing, litigation, and/or handling of third-party demands
• Experience advising on and negotiating agreements with government agencies and universities