Chief Intellectual Property (IP) Counsel - Chicago, IL
Position Summary
The Chief IP Counsel is responsible for supervising ADM’s IP legal function in the US and overseas. This role handles patent preparation and prosecution primarily in biochemistry and molecular biology; and advises, negotiates and drafts collaboration agreements, sponsored research agreements, and other transactions involving potentially patentable IP. The Chief IP Counsel will advise senior scientists and business executives on non-infringement and patent invalidity and may draft memoranda related to these issues. The role also involves managing outside patent counsel and overseeing patent litigation or administrative proceedings where engaged. The Chief IP Counsel reports to the Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary of ADM and is a member of the Legal, Audit, Regulatory and Compliance (LARC) global leadership team. Location: Chicago or Decatur, Illinois; a location in the Cincinnati, Ohio area is also possible.
Responsibilities
- Supervise ADM’s IP legal function in the US and abroad, including patent preparation and prosecution in biochemistry and molecular biology.
- Advise, negotiate and draft collaboration agreements, sponsored research agreements and other transactions involving potentially patentable IP.
- Advise senior scientists and business leaders on issues of non-infringement and patent validity; draft related memoranda as needed.
- Manage outside patent counsel and oversee patent litigation or administrative proceedings when engaged.
- Collaborate with the Legal, Audit, Regulatory and Compliance (LARC) leadership and other ADM functions to align IP strategy with business objectives.
Qualifications
- At least 15 years’ experience as a registered US patent attorney with extensive experience in patents, trade secrets, and IP transactions in the US and internationally.
- Extensive experience in preparation and prosecution of patent applications in biochemistry and/or molecular biology, in the US and foreign jurisdictions.
- Strong leadership, integrity, safety, diversity, and quality mindset with the ability to influence, communicate and present effectively; business acumen; time management and multitasking skills; and comfort working in matrix and entrepreneurial environments.
Education and Experience
- Law degree; an advanced degree in a related scientific discipline is strongly preferred.
- Experience preparing invalidity and non-infringement opinions, and drafting scientific collaboration agreements and sponsored research agreements with third parties.
- Excellent communication skills to advise business executives and senior scientists on IP-related legal issues.
- Demonstrated experience managing outside counsel; patent litigation experience is a plus.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
Benefits
- Competitive base pay with annual bonus and long-term incentive plan; pay may vary by location and experience.
- Comprehensive total rewards package including medical/rx, dental, vision and wellness benefits; 401(k) with matching; life and disability insurance; paid time off and holidays.
- Paid adoption and parental leave; tuition assistance; training and development resources.
We are an equal opportunity employer. ADM values diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Req/Job ID: 96187BR
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