Assistant General Counsel, Patents

The Patent Team at Microsoft helps the business navigate the worldwide patent ecosystem to enable the business to drive its strategies globally and freely innovate across all of Microsoft's products and services. In addition to building a world class patent portfolio that covers some of the world's most innovative software and hardware, we are the trusted advisor for the business in navigating the highly complex patent landscape.

As an Assistant General Counsel, Patents in the Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft, you will lead a team of experienced patent counsel who support the Experiences and Devices business at Microsoft. This team leads the patent strategy for key productivity products and services being powered by the current AI revolution. You will have a critical role in developing and shaping the patent strategy underpinning our world-class patent portfolio, advancing business-minded IP strategies, and resolving patent disputes. This opportunity is based in Redmond, Washington.

Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team supporting the Experiences and Devices business that collaborates with scientists and engineers to harvest inventions and set strategies to best protect key Microsoft innovations throughout the world.

• Devise and lead strategies that utilize IP to ensure Microsoft's freedom to innovate and operate, through licensing, joint development, and standards engagement.

• Engage with and advise senior leaders on creative IP strategies designed to protect Microsoft innovations, enable new business opportunities, and address potential IP challenges.

• Lead a team of patent counsel and paralegals with considerable experience in the development of strategic patent portfolio development, client counseling, transactions, and IP dispute management.

Other

• Embody our Culture (~~~) and Values (~~~)

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree or Equivalent International Degree

• OR Completion of a Legal Apprenticeship.

• Active license to practice law in a jurisdiction and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction.

• 10+ years experience as a practicing attorney at a law firm or relevant in-house experience in patent law

• OR equivalent practice of law.

• A technical background in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or relevant equivalent experience

Additional or Preferred Qualifications (PQs)

• Patent Expertise: The candidate should have patent analysis skills both in terms of patent generation (patentability and claiming strategies) as well as patent evaluation (assessing infringement and validity positions). Ideally, the candidate has experience in both preparation and prosecution of patents as well as patent litigation, licensing, and counseling. A successful candidate should have a record of successfully negotiating complex disputes and licenses.

• Management Excellence: The candidate should have 2+ years of experience building and managing teams of accomplished professionals. Leaders at Microsoft model, coach, and care for their team and inspire their team to bring their best to succeed in a highly collaborative way.

• DEI and Pro Bono: The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion as well as pro bono.

Legal Counsel M6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $152,300 - $266,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $194,800 - $292,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: ~~~

#CELA

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (~~~) .