Senior Legal Counsel - Intellectual Property & Technology

At Goodyear, we are committed to fostering innovation and excellence. As the Senior Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property & Technology, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with key technology and business leaders while making a significant impact on our business.  The Senior Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property & Technology is responsible for advising and partnering with these leaders to ensure the protection and leveraging of Goodyear’s intellectual property assets. The role involves a mix of patent strategy development and implementation, legal opinions, and transactional responsibilities. Being based at Goodyear’s Global Headquarters in Akron, Ohio, you will be a member of the global Intellectual Property and Technology legal team.

Job Duties / Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with senior technology leaders to develop and execute comprehensive patent strategies
• Manage/directly handle patent prosecution activities, including drafting and filing patent applications, responding to office actions, and coordinating with external patent counsel
• Provide strategic advice to Senior leaders on IP portfolio management and enforcement
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements, including, but not limited to patent licensing, confidentiality, joint-venture, and collaboration agreements. Conduct IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and other business transactions
• Conduct thorough legal research and draft legal opinions on freedom to operate, patentability, and invalidity as needed
• Stay current with changes in IP law and regulations and ensure compliance with relevant legal standards
• Counsel internal clients on various IP and technology topics
• Train clients and staff on IP-related matters. Manage intellectual property disputes as they arise

Key Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and a state bar
• Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemical engineering/chemistry background preferred, although other technical backgrounds will be considered
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in intellectual property law, with a focus on patent strategies and client counseling
• Strong background in patent prosecution, portfolio management, and strategic IP planning
• Experience with patent litigation and enforcement

Key Skills

• Strong negotiation skills and experience in licensing agreements
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership
• Expertise in use and/or counseling for artificial intelligence (AI) tools a plus

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Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 63,000 people and manufactures its products in 49 facilities in 19 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate

If you need reasonable accommodation to complete the online application, or any other part of the employment process, please contact the Goodyear Candidate Care Line at 330.796.4500.

Goodyear is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.