ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Intellectual Property Jobs in California

Guardant Health

Intellectual Property Counsel

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$189K - $260K/yr

This role will be directly report to a Director, Intellectual Property. As a member of the IP Team, you will be responsible for providing guidance on a wide range of IP legal matters related to the ...

Guardant Health

Intellectual Property Counsel

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$189K - $260K/yr

This role will be directly report to a Director, Intellectual Property. As a member of the IP Team, you will be responsible for providing guidance on a wide range of IP legal matters related to the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsIntellectual Property JobsDirector Intellectual Property JobsDirector Intellectual Property Jobs in California

Director Intellectual Property information

See California salary details

$42.4K

$111.7K

$192K

How much do director intellectual property jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for director intellectual property in California is $111,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $143,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of intellectual property?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Intellectual Property jobs in California?

The most popular types of Intellectual Property jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Intellectual Property jobs in California?

For Director Intellectual Property jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Intellectual Property jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Intellectual Property jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Director Intellectual Property jobs?

Cities in California with the most Director Intellectual Property job openings:

Director Intellectual Property jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Intellectual Property job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,680 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Director, Intellectual Property

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

IDEAYA Biosciences
Biotechnology Research and Development • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about IDEAYA Biosciencesexternal

$261K - $322K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Position Summary

IDEAYA Biosciences is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property (IP) Attorney to support the Company's intellectual property function protecting small molecule product candidates. The role reports directly to the Vice President of Intellectual Property and is based in South San Francisco. Employees are expected to be onsite four days per week.

Responsibilities

Manage the global IP portfolio, including preparing and prosecuting patent applications focused on small molecules and developing IP strategy. Partner with cross‐departmental teams to understand project technology, identify patentable inventions, and implement protection strategies. Identify and evaluate complex risks (e.g., patentability, infringement, validity) and develop business‐focused mitigation strategies. Conduct freedom‐to‐operate reviews, analyze third‐party patent positions, and guide overall IP strategy.

Perform IP due diligence and provide support for business development opportunities. Manage external legal counsel and ensure compliance with global IP laws and regulations. Coordinate and manage patent filings and strategy with collaborators and licensors. Assist in building IP department infrastructure and policies, and provide internal IP training. Monitor and assess competitive IP landscape and industry trends for risk and opportunity analysis.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Chemistry (preferably Organic Chemistry) or Master's in Organic Chemistry. Juris Doctorate from an ABA‐credited law school and membership in good standing of the California Bar, or ability to qualify as a California Registered In‐House Counsel, plus registration before the USPTO. Minimum 7 years of experience providing IP counsel and support in pharmaceutical small molecules (patent preparation and prosecution, life cycle management, opinions, and IP strategy), including preferably 2–3 years in‐house experience.

Proven track record of developing and implementing successful patent strategies securing meaningful protection for products and related technology. Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a fast‐paced start‐up environment with internal teams, responding in a timely and effective manner. Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex scientific and legal information. Proficiency in using scientific and IP databases. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.

Total Rewards IDEAYA offers a competitive total rewards package reflecting a pay‐for‐performance philosophy. Employees are eligible for merit‐based salary increases, discretionary short‐term incentive plan participation, and discretionary stock option awards. The benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage (100% company paid for employees and 90% for dependents), a 401(k) plan, an employee stock purchase plan, and wellness programs.

The expected salary range for the Director of Intellectual Property is $261,000–$322,000, with final compensation based on location, experience, education, and performance. Equal Opportunity Employer IDEAYA is an equal‐opportunity employer. We comply with all laws respecting equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/AA/Vets.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact hr@ideayabio.com.

Apply