Senior Corporate Counsel - Patents

Microsoft Corporation

Redmond, WA

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

$147,000–$258,000 Per Year

SKILLS

Analysis Skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Attorney, Business Development, Business Support, Business Writing, Cloud Computing, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Skills, Contract Negotiation, Cross-Functional, Distributed Computing, Electrical Engineering, Healthcare, IP (Internet Protocol), Integrated Circuits (ICs), Intellectual Property (IP), Investment Management, Leadership, Legal, License Agreements, Mergers and Acquisitions, Microsoft Product Family, Microsoft Windows Azure, Negotiation Skills, Patent Assertion, Patent Procurement, Patent Strategy, Patents, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Risk Management, Strategic Planning

LOCATION

Redmond, WA

POSTED

5 days ago

**Overview** Microsoft's Patent Group has an immediate opening for a Senior Corporate Counsel to support Microsoft's Cloud & AI businesses, including Cloud Operations and Innovation, AI Platform, and Azure Health. In this role, you will help shape and execute patent strategy for cutting-edge cloud, AI, and hardware technologies that power Microsoft's global cloud infrastructure, advance next-generation AI capabilities, and transform healthcare delivery. You will collaborate closely with engineering and product teams to identify patentable innovations, develop global filing and prosecution strategies, and build a high-quality patent portfolio aligned with Microsoft's business and technology priorities. The ideal candidate brings strong technical, legal, and communication skills, along with experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in a fast-paced and evolving technology environment. We value intellectual curiosity, adaptability, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning. 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** + Provide day-to-day legal advice to build, protect, and maintain Microsoft's patent portfolio, draft a variety of transaction-related documents, and manage resolution of legal disputes and risks related to intellectual property + Serve as a trusted advisor to engineering teams on intellectual property protection and risk mitigation strategies + Lead negotiations to resolve or mitigate patent disputes and assertions + Supervise and coordinate with outside counsel on patent prosecution and portfolio management matters + Support business negotiations and draft agreements addressing complex intellectual property issues + Collaborate with in-house subject matter experts and legal teams across the organization to advise leadership and solve problems + Keep informed of relevant legal developments as they occur and analyze their applicability to the company's activities and objectives + Partner across Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA), using clear written and verbal communication to organize and simplify complex issues **Qualifications** **Required/minimum qualifications** + Juris Doctor Degree or international equivalent degree AND 6+ years experience as a practicing attorney + OR equivalent experience. + Active license to practice law in a jurisdiction and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction. **Additional or preferred qualifications** + 10+ years of experience as a practicing attorney at a law firm or in-house experience in patent law, including in-house patent counsel experience at a technology company + Technical background in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent experience + Demonstrated experience developing patent strategies for business initiatives, counseling cross-functional teams on complex IP issues, and negotiating IP terms in business transactions such as licensing agreements, joint ventures, or M&A deals + Experience with cloud computing, distributed systems, AI/ML technologies, or healthcare platforms Legal Counsel IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $147,000 - $258,000 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 $185,900 - $278,900 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. 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 with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations. (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html)

About the Company

Microsoft Corporation

INDUSTRY

Other/Not Classified