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Ip Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

IP prosecution, including preparation and prosecution of applications, appeals, re-examinations, and foreign oppositions * Strategic patent portfolio planning and management * Infringement, validity ...

Ip Attorney information

See Iowa salary details

$58.7K

$187.2K

$271.4K

How much do ip attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for ip attorney in Iowa is $187,201.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $147,000.00 and $240,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an IP attorney?

An IP attorney, or intellectual property lawyer, is a law professional who specializes in trademark, copyright, patent, licensing, or trade secret law. The responsibility of patent lawyers is to protect inventions, trade secret lawyers use their skills to defend formulas or methods, while copyright lawyers work with things like songs, photos, or books. Licensing attorneys help determine who can distribute, reproduce, or use any type of intellectual property.

What does an IP attorney do?

An IP (Intellectual Property) attorney specializes in laws that protect inventions, creative works, trademarks, and trade secrets. They help clients obtain intellectual property rights, such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks, and defend these rights in case of infringement. IP attorneys may also advise on licensing, contracts, and enforcement strategies to safeguard their clients’ intellectual assets. Their work is crucial for individuals and companies that rely on innovation and creative output.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an IP attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an IP Attorney, you need a law degree, admission to the bar, and a strong understanding of intellectual property law, often supplemented by a technical or scientific background. Familiarity with patent and trademark databases, electronic filing systems, and specialized legal research tools is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and persuasive communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are critical for effectively protecting clients’ intellectual property rights and navigating complex legal disputes.

What are some common challenges faced by IP attorneys when managing client portfolios with diverse intellectual property assets?

IP Attorneys often encounter challenges in managing client portfolios that include a mix of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets across different jurisdictions. Balancing timely filings, renewals, and enforcement actions while staying updated on evolving international IP laws can be demanding. Additionally, coordinating with inventors, business leaders, and foreign associates requires strong organizational and communication skills. Successfully navigating these challenges is key to protecting clients’ intellectual property and maintaining their competitive advantage.

What is the difference between Ip Attorney vs Patent Agent?

AspectIp AttorneyPatent Agent
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admissionPatent law exam, technical degree, no law degree required
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesPatent offices, law firms, corporate IP departments
Industry UsageLegal representation, litigation, licensingPatent prosecution, application drafting, patent searches

Ip Attorneys and Patent Agents both work in intellectual property law, but Ip Attorneys are licensed to practice law and handle litigation and legal advice, while Patent Agents focus on patent prosecution and application processes without practicing law. The choice depends on whether legal representation or patent-specific tasks are needed.

What job categories do people searching Ip Attorney jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Ip Attorney jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Ip Attorney jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Ip Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various Ip Attorney job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $187,201 per year, or $90 per hour.

Patent Attorney

Des Moines, IA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage a part of the patent portfolio of JBT Marel.

  • Discuss inventions and processes with inventors to assess their patentability, and work on patent application drafting, prosecution, and office action responses.

  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop and implement a global IP strategy, including patent surveillance, patent enforcement, and strategic IP due diligence.


Job description

🚀 We're Hiring: Patent Attorney

Development-oriented and visionary company is looking for a Patent Attorney. Are you experienced within IP and a self-driven person?

📍 Location: JBT Marel Boxmeer

🕒 Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

💼 Department: Poultry - Innovation

💥 Lead the Future of Work at JBT Marel

Are you highly motivated by the prospect of playing an influential role in building a strong global IP organisation?

JBT Marel is looking for a Patent Attorney who can work in close cooperation with the innovation teams in order to support the JBT Marel future innovation strategy.

Due to recent growth, we want to strengthen our In-house Patent team with a skilled and strong Patent Attorney. In this position you will have a decisive influence on strengthening the framework of our Global IP organisation. The Patent team is part of our Global Innovation organisation and you will achieve a profound knowledge of and insight into our product range and the R&D organisation.

🔍 About the Role

As Patent Attorney your main responsibility will be to manage a part of the patent portfolio of JBT Marel. Together with internal collaborators and external strategic partners, you will work on developing a global IP strategy. Globally, you will have 10 skilled and dedicated Patent and Trademark colleagues.

🧠 What You'll Do

Within the innovation group:

  • Discussing inventions and processes with inventors and assess their patentability
  • Patent surveillance, including monitoring competitor patent portfolio
  • Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office action responses, managing a global patent portfolio relating to a technology
  • Working with patent attorneys worldwide in defending and enforcing patents
  • Conducting strategic IP due diligence, including analysing third-party patent portfolios to identify competitors and/or potential collaborators
  • Participate in opposition and appeal proceedings at the EPO
  • Conducting freedom to operate studies
  • Contributing to build up a strong Global IP organisation within our global forum
🛠 What You Bring

We encourage each of our 12,000+ employees to bring their unique self to work and aim to make everyone feel recognized, valued and free to explore their potential. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture and welcome new colleagues from all walks of life.

You have gained intellectual property experience, either in industry or in private practice, preferably as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have technical competences in the field of engineering or in physics.

  • Profound understanding of scientific and technological principles and processes
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Dutch
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate on all levels and across profession as well as express complex technical ideas in a clear and concise way, and to structure precise, coherent arguments
  • Attention to detail and analytically skilled, with instant progress and improvement in mind
  • Self-motivated and self-driven, wanting to develop yourself and your surroundings
  • You are a team player who enjoys bring a part of an international team, thereby contributing to the overall worldwide success of the company

As a part of our Global IP team, there will be some travelling involved.

🏬 Why Join Us?

There's nothing like the feeling you get when you do something worthwhile for a living. That said, coming home from work knowing you made a difference is just one of the great things you can experience at JBT Marel. You can expect:

  • Freedom to form your role and define your added value to the organization
  • Freedom to take initiative and make a real impact in a growing global business
  • An environment of trust and respect with space to explore and fail
  • A collaborative, inclusive team culture with international cooperation
  • Continuous learning through our advanced learning platform, with unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning and Busuu language learning
  • All the tools you need to succeed: laptop, iPhone, and a fully equipped home office
  • Excellent work life balance, including 42 vacation days, flexible working hours, and hybrid working options
  • A strong pension plan and collective health insurance options
  • An environment built on trust and respect, with room to explore, learn, and even fail
  • To get a career instead of a job. We have many opportunities for internal growth; and we encourage it!
📩 How to Apply

We're excited to learn how you can contribute to our mission of smarter, safer food inspection. Apply now and join a team transforming the future of food processing.

📧Questions? Contact:Maarten Krepel-maarten.krepel@jbtmarel.com

🌐Learn more at: jbtmarel.com

🔗Follow us onLinkedIn

Connect with Talent Acquisition Specialist: www.linkedin.com/in/maartenkrepel

JBT Marel is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Join us - and be the driving force behind smarter, leaner food production.

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#LI-Hybrid