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Director Intellectual Property Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cerebras Systems

As Director, IP, you will lead the development and execution of Cerebras' global intellectual property strategy. You will partner with engineering, research, product, security, marketing, and ...

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How much do director intellectual property jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for director intellectual property in the United States is $113,162.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Director Intellectual Property position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Intellectual Property, you need deep expertise in intellectual property law, patent and trademark portfolio management, and strategic IP planning, often supported by a law degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with IP management software, patent databases, and relevant certifications such as a USPTO registration or Certified Licensing Professional (CLP) credential are typical requirements. Outstanding leadership, negotiation, and cross-functional communication skills set top candidates apart in this strategic role. These skills and qualifications are essential for protecting a company's innovations, navigating complex legal landscapes, and driving business growth through effective IP strategies.

What are the main challenges a Director of Intellectual Property typically faces?

Directors of Intellectual Property frequently navigate complex legal and regulatory environments across multiple jurisdictions, requiring them to stay up to date on changes in IP law and global enforcement practices. They often balance the need to protect the company's IP assets with business goals such as commercialization, licensing, or collaborations with external partners. Regular interaction with R&D, legal, and executive teams is common, making communication and prioritization skills crucial. Additionally, Directors must be prepared to manage IP disputes, analyze competitive landscapes, and develop proactive strategies to mitigate risk and optimize IP value.

What does a Director of Intellectual Property do?

A Director of Intellectual Property (IP) oversees an organization's IP strategy, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. They ensure legal protection for innovations, manage IP portfolios, and develop strategies to mitigate risks. This role involves working with legal teams, R&D, and executives to align IP policies with business goals. Additionally, they may handle licensing agreements, enforcement actions, and compliance with intellectual property laws.

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What cities are hiring for Director Intellectual Property jobs? Cities with the most Director Intellectual Property job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Intellectual Property jobs? The most popular types of Intellectual Property jobs are:
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Director Intellectual Property jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Intellectual Property job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,162 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Director, Intellectual Property

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Supernus Pharmaceuticals is an award-winning biopharmaceutical company with more than 30 years of experience in developing and commercializing products that treat central nervous system (CNS) diseases. At Supernus, we develop innovative products that help treat neurological and psychiatric conditions. At Supernus, we develop innovative products that help treat neurological and psychiatric conditions. We currently have 8 products in the market that are making a real impact on patient outcomes.
Job Summary:
The Director of Intellectual Property is responsible for the management, development, and protection of Supernus' intellectual property (IP) portfolio which includes patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Incumbents in this role will oversee all facets of patent and trademark applications, including preparing and prosecuting US and worldwide patents and trademark applications, performing prior art searches, and oversight of outside counsel for prosecution activities.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Focuses on chemistry-based inventions and interacts with staff to assess research inventions.
  • Manages invention disclosures and prepares and prosecutes patent applications.
  • Conducts chemical structure searches and patentability.
  • Conducts landscape analysis of prior art.
  • Performs prior art searches and recommends and implements IP prosecution strategies.
  • Drafts patent applications and responses to Office Actions.
  • Conducts licensing due diligence, IP assessment of new technologies, managing and administering the IP docketing and annuity payment systems (CPI and CPA), and management of IP files.
  • Acts as an IP liaison with internal departments and manages relationships with external law firms and third-party agencies and relevant organizations.
  • Oversees IP operations, including tools, systems, and vendor relationships supporting global prosecution and maintenance.
  • Assist in developing infrastructure and policies and educates/ trains relevant departments on IP best practices.
  • Monitors and analyzes the IP landscape and IP trends to identify risks and opportunities.
  • Other responsibilities and projects assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • N/A

Knowledge & Other Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in life sciences and a minimum of ten years of related experience; A Master's degree or PhD in life sciences and a minimum of seven years of related experience; Or a Juris Doctor (JD) with a minimum of seven years of related experience.
  • Pharmaceutical/biotechnology patent law knowledge, transactional experience or a combination of law firm and biotech/pharmaceutical company experience is required.
  • Previous experience working with Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology patent preparation and prosecution is preferred.
  • In-depth understanding of the administrative rules of the PTO and PCT.
  • Working knowledge of CPI and CPA docketing and annuity payment systems.
  • In-depth understanding of the administrative rules of the PTO and PCT.
  • Must be registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Ability to read, interpret, and follow-through documents such as business correspondence, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with visitors and employees of the organization.
  • Detail-oriented, with excellent organizational skills, communication skills, and ability to multi-task.
  • Strong working knowledge of MS Office products including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and Project.
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team dynamic in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion.

Other Characteristics:
  • Ability to take direction, as needed.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team and maintain high ethical standards of integrity and quality.
  • Ability to have an innovative and dynamic approach to work.
  • A self-starter able to work independently but comfortable working in a team environment.
  • Ability to consistently exhibit Supernus Values in interactions with employees at all levels of the organization, vendors, customers and others.
  • Capable of performing other duties as assigned by Management.
  • Authorized to legally work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment/Travel Requirements:
  • Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or carrying objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
  • The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer screen, iPad, or other electronic device; and extensive reading.
  • The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Compensation:
At Supernus, we offer a competitive compensation package that reflects your experiences and contributions. The expected salary range for fully qualified candidates applying for this role is $226,000 to $270,000. This range is what the Company reasonably expects to offer for the position and is not reflective of the full compensation scale of the role. This range may be modified in the future. An individual's salary within the range is based on multiple factors, which may include and are not limited to education, relevant experience, knowledge, length of industry experience and organizational needs.
You also will be able to participate in a competitive benefits package, including but not limited to: health, dental, vision, paid time off, 401k company match, company paid life insurance and health and wellness benefits. The total compensation package for this position also includes other compensation elements such as stock equity awards, employee stock purchase programs and participation in our Company's discretionary annual bonus program.
Supernus Pharmaceuticals is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other characteristic protected by law.
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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