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Patent Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NVIDIA's Legal Department is looking for a dynamic attorney to join us as Patent Counsel. New team members will help build and drive NVIDIA's patent-related intellectual property with opportunity to ...

If so, the Patent Counsel role at our Company could be an ideal opportunity for you. We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team in Rahway, New Jersey.In this role ...

If so, the Patent Counsel role at our Company could be an ideal opportunity for you. We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team in Rahway, New Jersey. In this role ...

Patent Counsel

Boston, MA

$170K - $210K/yr

Patent Counsel At WHOOP, we're on a mission to unlock human performance and health span. WHOOP empowers members to perform at a higher level through a deeper understanding of their bodies and daily ...

Patent Counsel

Boston, MA · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Patent Counsel At WHOOP, we're on a mission to unlock human performance and health span. WHOOP empowers members to perform at a higher level through a deeper understanding of their bodies and daily ...

Patent Counsel

Boston, MA · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Patent Counsel At WHOOP, we're on a mission to unlock human performance and health span. WHOOP empowers members to perform at a higher level through a deeper understanding of their bodies and daily ...

NVIDIA's Legal Department is looking for a dynamic attorney to join us as Patent Counsel. New team members will help build and drive NVIDIA's patent-related intellectual property with opportunity to ...

Patent Counsel

Boston, MA

$170K - $210K/yr

Patent Counsel At WHOOP, we're on a mission to unlock human performance and health span. WHOOP empowers members to perform at a higher level through a deeper understanding of their bodies and daily ...

Apply Early

Unified Patents is again growing its legal department, and seeks to add an experienced, registered ... outside counsel Amicus curiae drafting and support; comment drafting and support Contract ...

Unified Patents is again growing its legal department, and seeks to add an experienced, registered ... outside counsel Amicus curiae drafting and support; comment drafting and support Contract ...

Apply Early

Unified Patents is again growing its legal department, and seeks to add an experienced, registered ... outside counsel Amicus curiae drafting and support; comment drafting and support Contract ...

Senior Patent Counsel

Rockville, MD · On-site

$174K - $272K/yr

Principal responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the supervision of outside counsel for the preparation and prosecution of domestic and foreign patent applications with a focus on the ...

NVIDIA's Legal Department is looking for a candidate to join us as a Senior Patent Counsel. New team members will help build and drive NVIDIA's patent-related intellectual property with ample ...

Senior Patent Counsel

Rockville, MD · On-site

$174K - $272K/yr

Principal responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the supervision of outside counsel for the preparation and prosecution of domestic and foreign patent applications with a focus on the ...

Patent Counsel

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a tech-native Patent Attorney or Senior Patent Agent who wants to trade the billable hour for a seat at the supercomputing table. You won't be sitting in an office waiting for ...

In this role, you will help protect our innovation by providing practical intellectual property counseling on topics such as patents, publications, trade secrets, and open source. You will be ...

In this role, you will help protect our innovation by providing practical intellectual property counseling on topics such as patents, publications, trade secrets, and open source. You will be ...

In this role, you will help protect our innovation by providing practical intellectual property counseling on topics such as patents, publications, trade secrets, and open source. You will be ...

In this role, you will help protect our innovation by providing practical intellectual property counseling on topics such as patents, publications, trade secrets, and open source. You will be ...

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Patent Counsel information

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How much do patent counsel jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for patent counsel in the United States is $25.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Patent Counsel?

A patent counsel is a senior level patent attorney that works in a law firm. They handle cases related to patent law, which is legal ownership protection for scientific inventors. As a patent counsel, your responsibilities vary based on your specialization. If you work in patent infringement, you act as one of your client’s lawyers to defend their property in a federal court. If your focus is in prosecution, your duties revolve around getting your client’s patent application submitted, approved, and registered. While the primary qualifications are a law degree and licensing from the state bar, most patent lawyers also have a degree in a scientific field. While this is not technically necessary, experience in science can significantly improve your analytical and debate skills for this career.

What is the difference between Patent Counsel vs Patent Agent?

AspectPatent CounselPatent Agent
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, patent bar examPatent bar exam, no law degree required
Work EnvironmentLegal teams, law firms, corporate legal departmentsPatent offices, law firms, corporate R&D
Roles & ResponsibilitiesLegal advice, patent strategy, litigation supportPatent application drafting, prosecution, prior art searches

Patent Counsel typically holds a law degree and is admitted to the bar, enabling them to provide legal advice and handle patent litigation. Patent Agents, on the other hand, focus on patent prosecution and must pass the patent bar exam but do not hold a law degree. Both roles work within similar environments like law firms and corporate legal departments, but Patent Counsel often handles broader legal issues related to patents.

What are Patent Counsel?

Patent Counsel are specialized attorneys who advise organizations or individuals on matters related to patents and intellectual property. They help secure legal protection for inventions, guide clients through the patent application process, and provide counsel on patent infringement and litigation issues. Patent Counsel often work within corporations, law firms, or government agencies to ensure that inventions and innovations are properly protected under the law.

How does a Patent Counsel typically collaborate with research and development teams within an organization?

Patent Counsel often work closely with research and development (R&D) teams to identify inventions with commercial potential and ensure proper protection through patent filings. This collaboration involves regular meetings to discuss ongoing projects, providing guidance on patentability, and educating researchers about intellectual property considerations. By being involved early in the innovation process, Patent Counsel help streamline the patent application process and align IP strategies with business goals. Effective communication skills are essential, as translating technical concepts into legal documentation is a key part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Patent Counsel, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patent Counsel, you need a strong background in patent law, intellectual property strategy, and a technical degree (often in science or engineering), along with admission to the patent bar. Familiarity with patent management systems, legal research databases, and patent prosecution tools is standard. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively protecting innovations, navigating complex legal landscapes, and advising organizations on intellectual property matters.
What cities are hiring for Patent Counsel jobs? Cities with the most Patent Counsel job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Counsel jobs? The most popular types of Patent Counsel jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Patent Counsel jobs? The top employers for Patent Counsel jobs are:
What states have the most Patent Counsel jobs? States with the most job openings for Patent Counsel jobs include:
Infographic showing various Patent Counsel job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,600 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Patent Counsel

Patent Counsel

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology-and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.
NVIDIA's Legal Department is looking for a dynamic attorney to join us as Patent Counsel. New team members will help build and drive NVIDIA's patent-related intellectual property with opportunity to collaborate closely with NVIDIA's other intellectual property, product and commercial attorneys, business leaders, outside counsel, and internal stakeholders to protect and grow our patent portfolio! By providing innovative solutions and effective guidance, the NVIDIA Legal Department helps make NVIDIA the world leader in artificial intelligence, parallel computing, and advanced processing technologies. The work we do impacts some of the most consequential mega-trends in technology today. The ideal candidate is a team player, passionate about technology, eager to learn new skills, and excited about helping NVIDIA continue to innovate and succeed.
What you'll be doing:
  • Ensuring NVIDIA's technology investments are protected by actively participating in the process of obtaining patent protection. You'll be doing outreach and providing training, education, and counsel to internal clients on patent filing and acquisition, and freedom of action.
  • Instructing and directing Outside Counsel on patent application drafting, filing, and prosecution (domestic and foreign) to ensure compliance with NVIDIA guidelines and local laws.
  • Making strategic decisions to develop our patent portfolio to proactively meet emerging trends and address changing demands.
  • Partnering with other members of the Legal Department on assorted intellectual property related matters, such as assertions, patent portfolio valuation and assessment during transactions and corporate mergers and acquisitions.
  • Developing subject matter expertise and driving team client counseling, invention harvesting, and evaluation for specific IP-active areas.
  • Participating in and providing counsel for NVIDIA contributions to Standards Setting Organizations, University Collaborations, Industry Workgroups, and Technology Conferences.
  • Collaborating on development and deployment of Patent Department policies, practices, and tools.

What we need to see:
  • A technical undergraduate degree (or equivalent experience), preferably a CE or Computer Science degree.
  • 6+ years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution.
  • A J.D. degree with a record of strong academic performance and a license to practice law in California.
  • Registration to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills: written and verbal, organizational abilities, and attested attention to detail.
  • Ability to navigate and break down complex legal issues into actionable advice covering a broad range of interdependent issues, balance risk with business need, and ask tough questions.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:
  • Previous in-house experience in a high-tech industry with portfolio management and technology licensing.
  • Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications to issuance in: generative and applied artificial intelligence frameworks and deep learning model architectures, software engineering, chip or circuit design, advanced computing and networking technologies, and autonomous robotics and vehicles.
  • A passion for innovation, technology, strategic thinking, and continuous learning.
  • Foreign filing experience.
  • Strong understanding of open source software and database licenses.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers! We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and if you're creative and autonomous, we want to hear from you!
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 192,000 USD - 304,750 USD.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until May 12, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993