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Patent Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

S. and foreign patent counsel. * Conduct or oversee patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and related IP analyses. * Advise R&D, commercial, and business teams on patent, trade secret, and ...

S. and foreign patent counsel. * Conduct or oversee patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and related IP analyses. * Advise R&D, commercial, and business teams on patent, trade secret, and ...

SENIOR PATENT COUNSEL

San Diego, CA · On-site

$220K - $255K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Patent Counsel POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Patent Counsel (Organic Chemistry) will be responsible for working closely with the Chief Patent Counsel to manage the patent counsel function ...

SENIOR PATENT COUNSEL

San Diego, CA · On-site

$220K - $255K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Patent Counsel POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Patent Counsel (Organic Chemistry) will be responsible for working closely with the Chief Patent Counsel to manage the patent counsel function ...

OR · On-site

$309K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Join Our Team as an Attorney at Axiom We are seeking a Patent Counsel to join our team in support of leading clients across consumer packaged goods (CPG), technology, life sciences, automotive ...

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

Rocky Hill, CT · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

S. and foreign patent counsel. * Conduct or oversee patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and related IP analyses. * Advise R&D, commercial, and business teams on patent, trade secret, and ...

Patent Counsel

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$250K - $280K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The Patent Counsel is a senior level role within the Intellectual Property Function of Amneal. The day-to-day focus is (i) providing IP guidance to scientists and senior management in R&D to support ...

Patent Counsel

Bridgewater, NJ · Hybrid

$250K - $280K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The Patent Counsel is a senior level role within the Intellectual Property Function of Amneal. The day-to-day focus is (i) providing IP guidance to scientists and senior management in R&D to support ...

Patent Counsel

Bridgewater, NJ · Hybrid

$250K - $280K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The Patent Counsel is a senior level role within the Intellectual Property Function of Amneal. The day-to-day focus is (i) providing IP guidance to scientists and senior management in R&D to support ...

Patent Counsel

Bridgewater, NJ · Hybrid

$250K - $280K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The Patent Counsel is a senior level role within the Intellectual Property Function of Amneal. The day-to-day focus is (i) providing IP guidance to scientists and senior management in R&D to support ...

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 ...

Patent Counsel

Bridgewater, NJ · Hybrid

$250K - $280K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The Patent Counsel is a senior level role within the Intellectual Property Function of Amneal. The day-to-day focus is (i) providing IP guidance to scientists and senior management in R&D to support ...

Senior Patent Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • PTO

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 ...

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

Washington, DC · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • PTO

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 ...

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 ...

LS Patent Counsel

Burlington, MA · On-site

$147K - $220K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... counseling aligned with our business objectives. Your Role: In this role, you will be an active, hands-on contributor to patent portfolio management, including drafting, filing, prosecuting, and ...

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Patent Counsel information

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How much do patent counsel jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,600 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

About this Position AtHenkel, you'll be part of an organization that's shaping the future throughinnovation, sustainability and collaboration. With our trusted brands likePersil, 'all, Loctite, Snuggle, and Schwarzkopf and our cutting-edgetechnologies, you'll have countless opportunities to explore new paths andgrow.
Dare to learn new skills, advance in your career andmake an impact at Henkel.   

We are looking for an experienced, business-minded patent attorneyto join our legal team supporting our fast-paced Adhesive Technologiesbusiness. This hybrid (60% office/ 40% remote) role is based in Rocky Hill, CT,and is ideal for a proactive patent attorney who can independently identify andprotect innovation, provide practical IP guidance to business and R&Dstakeholders, and manage a diverse global patent portfolio.

What youll do
  • Prepare and prosecute U.S. patent applications and manage U.S. and foreign patent counsel.
  • Conduct or oversee patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and related IP analyses.
  • Advise R&D, commercial, and business teams on patent, trade secret, and other IP matters.
  • Draft and negotiate confidentiality, development, licensing, research, supply, and other IP-related agreements.
  • Provide counsel to business teams and legal colleagues related to IP protection and risk.
  • Support IP due diligence, portfolio reviews, and global portfolio strategies aligned with business objectives.