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Intellectual Property Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

BW

Intellectual Property Attorney

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Company Description Arista Networks is seeking an Intellectual Property Attorney to join its legal team. A successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of Arista's intellectual property ...

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Intellectual Property information

See California salary details

$50.8K

$118.3K

$195.4K

How much do intellectual property jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for intellectual property 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 an intellectual property professional?

Intellectual Property (IP) professionals are experts who help individuals and organizations protect, manage, and enforce their intellectual property rights. These rights include patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. IP professionals may work as attorneys, agents, consultants, or in-house specialists, providing legal advice, filing applications, conducting searches, and handling disputes. Their work ensures that creators and inventors can safeguard their innovations and creative works from unauthorized use.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an intellectual property professional?

To thrive as an Intellectual Property professional, you need a strong understanding of patent, trademark, and copyright laws, often supported by a law degree or specialized IP certification. Familiarity with IP management software, patent databases like USPTO or EPO, and legal research tools is essential. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you effectively protect and advocate for intellectual assets. These competencies are crucial for navigating complex legal frameworks, advising clients, and ensuring robust IP protection in a competitive market.

What are common challenges faced by intellectual property professionals?

Professionals in Intellectual Property (IP) roles often navigate complex legal frameworks and must stay updated on evolving laws and international treaties. A typical challenge is balancing the protection of innovations with ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Additionally, coordinating with inventors, legal teams, and business stakeholders requires strong communication and project management skills. Managing tight deadlines, especially for patent or trademark filings, is also a frequent aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Intellectual Property vs Patent Examiner?

AspectIntellectual PropertyPatent Examiner
CredentialsLegal, technical, or patent law backgroundEngineering or technical degree, patent law knowledge
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, corporations, government agenciesPatent offices, government agencies
Industry UsageBroadly used across industries for rights managementSpecific to patent application review

Intellectual Property is a broad field encompassing rights like patents, trademarks, and copyrights, while a Patent Examiner specializes in reviewing patent applications within the patent system. The examiner's role is focused on assessing patentability, whereas Intellectual Property professionals manage and strategize across various rights. Both roles require technical or legal credentials and are integral to protecting innovations in various industries.

What does an intellectual property specialist do?

An intellectual property specialist manages and protects a company's intellectual assets, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. They conduct patent searches, prepare and file applications, and ensure legal compliance, often working closely with legal teams and using specialized IP management tools.

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 jobs in California?

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Intellectual Property jobs?

Cities in California with the most Intellectual Property job openings:

Intellectual Property jobs near you
Infographic showing various Intellectual Property job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,307 per year, or $56.9 per hour.

Director, Intellectual Property

IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc.

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$261 - $322/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage the global IP portfolio, including preparing and prosecuting patent applications focused on small molecules.

  • Partner with cross-departmental teams to identify patentable inventions and develop IP protection strategies.

  • Conduct IP due diligence, analyze third-party patent positions, and support business development opportunities.

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.

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