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Chief Patent Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scripps Research

SENIOR PATENT COUNSEL

San Diego, CA · On-site

$220K - $255K/yr

Work with Chief Patent Counsel to develop IP prosecution strategies portfolio development, patent risk assessment, and commercialization opportunities. * Interview inventors to collect disclosure ...

Scripps Research

SENIOR PATENT COUNSEL

San Diego, CA · On-site

$220K - $255K/yr

Work with Chief Patent Counsel to develop IP prosecution strategies portfolio development, patent risk assessment, and commercialization opportunities. * Interview inventors to collect disclosure ...

Dolby

Director, Patents - Video

San Francisco, CA · On-site

This position is based in San Francisco or Sunnyvale and reports to the Vice President, Chief Patent Counsel. Responsibilities: Align a growing, global, and high-impact patent portfolio with evolving ...

Dolby

Director, Patents - Video

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$225 - $318/hr

This position is based in San Francisco or Sunnyvale and reports to the Vice President, Chief Patent Counsel. Responsibilities * Align a growing, global, and high-impact patent portfolio with ...

Dolby

Director, Patents - Video

San Francisco, CA · On-site

This position is based in San Francisco or Sunnyvale and reports to the Vice President, Chief Patent Counsel. Responsibilities: * Align a growing, global, and high-impact patent portfolio with ...

Eaton

Assistant Chief IP Counsel

Coraopolis, PA · Hybrid

The Assistant Chief IP Counsel plays a key leadership role in developing and executing Eaton ... This position is responsible for providing strategic counsel across patents, trade secrets ...

Eaton

Assistant Chief IP Counsel

Beachwood, OH · Hybrid

The Assistant Chief IP Counsel plays a key leadership role in developing and executing Eaton ... This position is responsible for providing strategic counsel across patents, trade secrets ...

Eaton

Assistant Chief IP Counsel

Beachwood, OH · On-site

The Assistant Chief IP Counsel plays a key leadership role in developing and executing Eaton ... This position is responsible for providing strategic counsel across patents, trade secrets ...

Moody

Chief Counsel, IP, Trust & Cyber

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$281 - $407/hr

Chief Counsel, IP, Trust & Cyber (14486) At Moody's, we unite the brightest minds to turn today ... Lead the defense of third-party IP claims, including patent assertion entity matters, copyright ...

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How much do chief patent counsel jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for chief patent counsel in the United States is $25.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief patent counsel do?

A Chief Patent Counsel is the highest-ranking legal professional responsible for overseeing all patent-related matters within an organization. Their duties typically include developing and implementing patent strategies, managing a team of patent attorneys or agents, ensuring the protection of intellectual property, and providing legal advice on patent litigation and portfolio management. They also collaborate with research, engineering, and business teams to align patent activities with the company’s goals. The Chief Patent Counsel plays a key role in defending the company’s innovations and supporting its competitive advantage in the market.

What does a chief patent counsel do?

A chief patent counsel, also known as a chief intellectual property (IP) counsel, is a lawyer responsible for protecting the intellectual property of a business or organization. In this role, your job duties include helping clients prepare and file for legal patents and licensing for an invention or an idea for an invention, researching and adhering to legal policies regarding copyrights and intellectual property, and offering legal advice to senior staff regarding their rights and processes in establishing a patent. A chief patent counsel usually works with one business or organization to lead its patenting efforts for a variety of ideas and inventions.

What are some common challenges faced by a chief patent counsel when managing a global patent portfolio?

A Chief Patent Counsel often faces the challenge of navigating diverse patent laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions while ensuring the company's intellectual property is adequately protected. Coordinating with international legal teams, managing translation and filing deadlines, and staying ahead of changes in global IP policies are frequent hurdles. Additionally, aligning the patent strategy with business objectives and fostering collaboration between R&D, legal, and executive teams requires strong leadership and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief patent counsel, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Patent Counsel, you need deep expertise in patent law, prosecution, and portfolio management, typically supported by a law degree (JD) and registration with the USPTO. Familiarity with intellectual property management systems, patent databases, and legal research tools is essential, and advanced certifications such as a registered patent attorney can be advantageous. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and strong negotiation and communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies enable effective protection of intellectual property assets, risk mitigation, and alignment of patent strategies with business objectives.

What is the difference between Chief Patent Counsel vs Patent Attorney?

AspectChief Patent CounselPatent Attorney
CredentialsJD, technical degree, bar admission, extensive patent law experienceJD, bar admission, patent law experience
Work EnvironmentIn-house legal department, corporate settingLaw firms or corporate legal teams
Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, tech, pharmaWidely used in law firms, corporations, patent agencies
Primary FocusStrategic patent portfolio management, legal oversightPatent application drafting, prosecution, and litigation

The main difference between a Chief Patent Counsel and a Patent Attorney lies in their roles and responsibilities. The Chief Patent Counsel typically leads the patent strategy within a company, overseeing legal aspects and managing patent portfolios, while Patent Attorneys focus on drafting, prosecuting, and defending patents. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Chief Patent Counsel holds a leadership position with broader strategic duties.

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Chief Patent Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Patent Counsel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,600 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

SENIOR PATENT COUNSEL

Scripps Research

San Diego, CA • On-site

$220K - $255K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Job description

ABOUT US:
Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.
POSITION TITLE: Senior Patent Counsel
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Patent Counsel (Organic Chemistry) will be responsible for working closely with the Chief Patent Counsel to manage the patent counsel function, ensuring maximum productivity and efficiency, and providing excellent service to internal customers including faculty and other scientific staff. This position offers the opportunity to work directly with world-renowned scientists and innovative technologies at the earliest stages of discovery, helping shape intellectual property strategy that supports groundbreaking advances in chemistry, biology, digital medicine, and translational science.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
  • Prepare and prosecute assigned patent applications in field of expertise.
  • Work with Chief Patent Counsel to develop IP prosecution strategies portfolio development, patent risk assessment, and commercialization opportunities.
  • Interview inventors to collect disclosure information.
  • Provide prosecution support for other staff attorneys and assist co-counsel in interference and litigation proceedings.
  • Assist in management of Office of Patent Counsel (OPC) staff and projects.
  • Review assigned contracts for IP-related issues including licenses, MTA, RFOA, NDA and collaboration agreements and utilize legal expertise to advise on recommendations for improvement.
  • Manage assigned Authorizations of Unlicensed Matters
  • Conduct prior art searches.
  • Instruct outside patent counsel on licensed matters.
  • Interface with Scripps Research employees of all levels including executives, faculty, and administrative staff
  • Communicate and negotiate with outside companies, universities & institutes on patent-related matters.
  • Execute documents on behalf of Office of Patent Counsel (OPC) for Scripps Research
  • Provide support to Office of Technology Development (OTD) and TSRI legally in connection with licensing efforts and licensee compliance.
  • Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or similar field
  • Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
  • Bar membership required, California Bar membership preferred.
  • Must be registered with the U.S. Patent Office
  • 5+ years' experience as a patent attorney specializing in organic chemistry-related patents.
  • Prior experience successfully working with scientists on patent matters required.
  • Prior experience using patent portfolio management and docketing software required.
  • Prior experience managing multiple patent portfolios required.
  • Prior experience managing legal staff preferred.
  • Proficiency with Word, Chemdraw, PowerPoint and common chemical structure software
  • Proficiency with searching databases: USPTO, WIPO, CAS and Reaxys
  • Desire and ability to contribute where needed, regardless of level.
  • While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.
  • While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

COMPENSATION:
The expected hiring range for this position is $220,000 to $255,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
  • Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
  • Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
  • Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
  • Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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