Full-Time

Lead Patent Counsel

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Zuru

Zuru

201-500 employees

Produces toys, consumer goods, and construction technology

Robotics & Automation
Industrial & Manufacturing
Consumer Goods

Compensation Overview

$180k - $210kAnnually

Senior, Expert

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Position requires onsite presence in Los Angeles; relocation to Auckland, New Zealand is an opportunity.

Category
Intellectual Property (IP)
Legal & Compliance
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, physics, or a related discipline is required.
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent from an accredited law school and admission to at least one bar
  • Around 6 to 10 years of experience in patent prosecution and portfolio management, with a focus on construction or mechanical engineering.
  • Strong knowledge of patent law (including prosecution procedures and providing freedom-to-operate opinions) is required.
  • Experience in a law firm or corporate patent department is preferred.
  • Ideal candidate will also have experience in trademark, copyright, registered designs, litigation support, and IP clauses in contracts.
  • Needs experience with running small teams of people in the patent attorney field.
  • Needs experience in patent protection options for the world and have contacts they can work with in various jurisdictions around the world.
  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of construction and mechanical engineering principles and practices.
  • Ability to analyse and interpret technical documents, engineering drawings, and specifications.
  • You are registered to practice before the USPTO, IPONZ, or EPO.
  • Proven track record of successfully prosecuting patents before the USPTO, IPONZ, or EPO.
  • Solid understanding of patent laws and regulations, including patentability requirements, prior art searches, and patent drafting and prosecution procedures.
  • Proven ability to develop and execute effective patent strategies aligned with business objectives.
  • Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to effectively communicate complex technical and legal concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and handle multiple projects with competing priorities.
  • The right person should be willing to relocate to Auckland, New Zealand.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive patent strategy aligned with ZURU's business goals and objectives in the construction and mechanical engineering domains.
  • Prepare, draft, and file high-quality patent applications to secure intellectual property rights for ZURU's inventions.
  • Manage the prosecution process, responding to office actions and working closely with the patent examiners to ensure successful outcomes.
  • Conduct and analyze patent searches to provide freedom-to-operate opinions.
  • Work with the NZ office lead to build a team of 2-3 attorneys to support you in your work then manage their output and check their work.
  • Strategically manage and maintain ZURU's patent portfolio, conducting regular patent reviews, identifying opportunities for expansion, and making recommendations to enhance IP protection.
  • Conduct in-depth patent searches and analysis to assess the patentability of ZURU's products and technologies.
  • Provide guidance and recommendations to product development teams based on the results.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including R&D, product development, marketing, and legal, to identify inventions, evaluate patentability, and ensure seamless integration of IP strategies within product development processes.
  • Monitor and analyze competitor activities, identifying potential infringement risks and taking proactive measures to protect ZURU's intellectual property rights.
  • Collaborate with external legal counsel when necessary to provide technical support and guidance in patent litigation matters.
  • Keep abreast of industry trends, changes in patent laws, and emerging technologies in the construction and mechanical engineering domains.
  • Provide internal training and education on patent-related matters to relevant teams within ZURU.

ZURU operates in three main sectors: toys, consumer goods, and construction technology. In the toy industry, ZURU Toys is recognized as one of the largest companies globally, offering popular brands like Bunch O Balloons and Mini Brands, and distributing products to major retailers in over 120 countries. ZURU Edge focuses on consumer goods, targeting modern consumers with innovative products in categories such as Baby Care and Beauty, and is one of the fastest-growing companies in this sector. ZURU Tech aims to enhance the construction industry by introducing more flexible and efficient building processes. The company stands out from competitors by leveraging advanced automation and manufacturing systems, allowing it to produce high-quality products at competitive prices. ZURU's goal is to disrupt traditional markets and create new-generation brands across its sectors.

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Beverly Hills, California

Founded

2003

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

↑ 0%

1 year growth

↑ 0%

2 year growth

↑ 0%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • ZURU's rapid expansion and global presence offer significant career growth opportunities.
  • The company's focus on innovation and disruption provides a dynamic and stimulating work environment.
  • ZURU's diverse portfolio across toys, consumer goods, and construction technology allows for cross-sector experience and learning.

What critics are saying

  • The recent voluntary recall of 7.5 million Baby Shark bath toys could impact brand reputation and consumer trust.
  • The lawsuit against Glassdoor highlights potential issues with company culture and employee satisfaction.

What makes Zuru unique

  • ZURU's integration of cutting-edge automation and manufacturing systems sets it apart in the toy, consumer goods, and construction sectors.
  • The company's ability to rapidly innovate and disrupt traditional categories, particularly in consumer goods, gives it a competitive edge.
  • ZURU's strategic partnerships with entertainment giants like Nickelodeon, Disney, and Universal Studios enhance its brand appeal and market reach.

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