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Intellectual Property Manager Jobs in California

Advise management on intellectual property issues Qualifications * Juris Doctor degree * 5+ years of relevant experience with a demonstrated ability to oversee all aspects of IP portfolio development ...

Manage U.S. and international patent preparation and prosecution, including directing outside ... Advise on intellectual property issues relating to generative AI, foundation models, and evolving ...

This role will be directly report to a Director, Intellectual Property. As a member of the IP Team ... Continue to build and manage a global patent portfolio, including preparing and prosecuting patent ...

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Showing results 1-20

Intellectual Property Manager information

See California salary details

$50.8K

$118.3K

$195.4K

How much do intellectual property manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for intellectual property manager in California is $118,307.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,200.00 and $138,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Intellectual Property Manager vs Patent Agent?

AspectIntellectual Property ManagerPatent Agent
CredentialsTypically requires a law degree and IP certificationsRequires a technical degree and patent bar admission
Work EnvironmentManages IP portfolios, oversees legal strategies, collaborates with legal teamsDrafts, files, and prosecutes patent applications, often working closely with inventors
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporations, law firms, and IP agenciesPrimarily in law firms, corporate legal departments, and patent offices
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in IP management and legal expertiseFocuses more on patent prosecution and technical evaluation

The main difference is that an Intellectual Property Manager oversees the broader IP strategy and portfolio management, often with legal oversight, while a Patent Agent specializes in drafting and prosecuting patent applications, usually with technical expertise and patent law certification.

What is an intellectual property manager?

An intellectual property (IP) manager is an analyst who manages intellectual property assets for a business or institution. You must have expertise in patent law and other forms of intellectual property protection. As an intellectual property manager, your responsibilities include examining existing patents and protections, expanding and updating policies, investigating infringements on patents, and ensuring the protection of your employer’s intellectual property. This protection is especially crucial during technology transfers. In addition to management duties, you may also serve as an advisor to your company, researching existing patents they can buy to avoid research and development costs.

How does an intellectual property manager typically collaborate with legal, R&D, and marketing teams?

An Intellectual Property Manager regularly works cross-functionally to ensure the organization's intellectual assets are protected and leveraged effectively. They collaborate with legal teams to file and maintain patents, trademarks, and copyrights, and with R&D teams to identify innovations that merit protection. Additionally, they work with marketing teams to align product launches and branding strategies with IP considerations, ensuring that new releases do not infringe on third-party rights. This collaboration helps maximize IP value while minimizing legal risks.

What does an intellectual property manager do?

An Intellectual Property Manager is responsible for overseeing and protecting a company’s intellectual property assets, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. They develop strategies for acquiring, maintaining, and enforcing intellectual property rights, often working closely with legal teams and inventors. Intellectual Property Managers also ensure compliance with relevant laws, manage licensing agreements, and may assist in resolving disputes related to intellectual property. Their role is crucial in helping organizations maximize the value of their innovations and creative outputs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intellectual property manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intellectual Property Manager, you need strong expertise in intellectual property law, portfolio management, and often a degree in law, science, or engineering. Familiarity with IP management software, patent and trademark databases, and certifications like Registered Patent Agent or Attorney are typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, negotiation abilities, and attention to detail help you stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for effectively protecting company assets, managing risks, and maximizing the value of intellectual property portfolios.
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 Intellectual Property Manager jobs in California? For Intellectual Property Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Intellectual Property Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Intellectual Property Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Intellectual Property Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,307 per year, or $56.9 per hour.

Senior Manager, Intellectual Property

Revolution Medicines

Redwood City, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a dynamic Intellectual Property Attorney or Agent to join our RevMed team.  This individual will focus on patent preparation, prosecution, freedom-to-operate analyses, and landscape monitoring across our research and development programs.  Working collaboratively with our current IP team members, the ideal candidate will support the growth and development of our complex IP portfolio as the company transitions to a commercial organization and establishes a global footprint. Expansion into other workstreams with job growth is expected (e.g., agreement negotiation and support, disputes, complex counseling, etc.).

This role reports to the Associate Director, Intellectual Property. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Prepare and prosecute patent applications pertaining to small molecules.

  • Prepare legal opinions and analyses for freedom-to-operate.

  • Identify patentable inventions through frequent interactions with project teams at all stages of R&D, and identify inventorship.

  • Manage outside IP counsel to achieve positive, practical outcomes for the company's IP portfolio and obtain advice regarding related risks and opportunities, as needed.

  • Support ongoing IP workstreams including landscape monitoring, portfolio management, and compound tracking, as well as expanding into other IP areas (g., trademark and brand protection, copyright).

  • Manage and coordinate patent filings with licensees and collaborators.

  • Conduct IP diligence and provide other IP support for business development opportunities.

  • Educate and advise the company on intellectual property issues and best practices.

  • Provide practical, risk-based legal advice that balances intellectual property protection with business objectives.

  • Identify IP risks and communicate those risks to internal stakeholders for discussion and resolution.

  • Enhance the IP department's organizational infrastructure as we grow, including helping create and implement IP policies and processes.

Additional Responsibilities and Role Evolution

As a growing organization, our legal department continues to evolve to meet changing business needs. The responsibilities outlined in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual in this role and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

The Senior Manager, IP will be expected to take on additional assignments, projects, and responsibilities as needed to support the legal team and broader business objectives. Responsibilities may change, expand, or shift over time based on organizational priorities, business growth, process improvements, technology implementations, and evolving legal or regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to contribute beyond the core responsibilities of the position, partnering collaboratively across functions to support the continued success and growth of the company.

Required Skills, Experience and Education:

  • Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or related scientific discipline.

  • 5+ years of experience in providing IP counsel and support in the pharmaceutical small molecule space.

  • Admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

  • Global patent prosecution and patent preparation experience.

  • Experience with FTO and patent landscape analysis and counseling.

  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize options, anticipate challenges and execute on goals as a member of an interdisciplinary team is extremely important.

  • Ability to build partnerships and work in cross-functional teams.

  • Collaborative, flexible, positive and pragmatic work style with excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to simplify the complex and adapt to audiences with varying levels of legal fluency.

  • Thrives in and enjoys a creative and collaborative team setting, and driven by a desire to be innovative in a high energy environment.

Preferred Skills:

  • J.D. degree from ABA accredited law school and a member in good standing of the California Bar, or eligible for in-house registration in California. 

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