Intellectual Property Counsel

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Nordson Corporation is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Counsel - China to serve as a key business partner to commercial and operational leaders in China and support the company's long-term business strategy by protecting, defending, and enforcing Nordson's intellectual property rights. Working closely with business stakeholders, Nordson's Corporate Intellectual Property Group, and external legal counsel, this role will lead infringement assessments, intellectual property enforcement initiatives, administrative actions, and litigation support activities to safeguard the company's innovations, technologies, and market position while ensuring alignment with Nordson's global intellectual property innovation and enforcement strategies.

As part of a global organization, the individual will collaborate regularly with legal, engineering, and business teams across North America, Europe, and Asia. The role requires the ability to operate effectively in both business and legal environments, providing practical and commercially focused guidance while supporting the consistent execution of global IP strategies and legal risk mitigation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with business leaders and the global Legal and Intellectual Property teams to develop and execute IP protection and enforcement strategies in China.
• Conduct patent infringement analyses, validity assessments, and freedom-to-operate evaluations.
• Investigate suspected infringement of Nordson intellectual property rights and advise business stakeholders regarding enforcement options and risk assessment.
• Prepare, coordinate, and manage enforcement actions, including cease-and-desist letters, evidence collection, and administrative complaints as they relate to patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and unfair competition matters.
• Work with and manage outside counsel in connection with intellectual property administrative enforcement actions, civil litigation, and other dispute resolution proceedings.
• Support intellectual property litigation strategy, case development, discovery efforts, technical analysis, and coordination of business witnesses and subject matter experts.
• Provide practical guidance regarding intellectual property risks associated with product launches, competitive activities, and commercial initiatives.
• Monitor competitor intellectual property activities and enforcement developments and advise business stakeholders accordingly.
• Collaborate with global and regional legal teams to ensure consistent enforcement strategies and alignment with business objectives.
• Assist with intellectual property due diligence activities and support strategic business initiatives, including acquisitions and partnerships, as needed.
• Manage external counsel and enforcement budgets in accordance with departmental guidelines.

Required Education:

• Master of Laws, or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution.
• Admission to practice law in the People's Republic of China through successful completion of the PRC Bar Examination is required, or successful completion of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) Patent Agent Examination is required. Possession of both qualifications is a plus.
• Technical degree in engineering, science, or a related discipline.

Required Length & Type of Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years of intellectual property enforcement experience, including patent infringement analysis, administrative enforcement actions, and litigation support or management.
• Demonstrated experience handling patent infringement investigations and enforcement matters in China.
• Experience coordinating with and managing outside counsel in intellectual property disputes and litigation.
• Experience supporting multinational organizations and advising business stakeholders is preferred.
• Combination of law firms and in-house experience is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Strong knowledge of Chinese patent law, intellectual property enforcement procedures, administrative actions, and civil litigation processes.
• Demonstrated expertise in patent infringement and validity analysis.
• Ability to assess legal and business risks and provide practical, business-oriented recommendations.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple matters across several business divisions simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Mandarin Chinese and English.
• Ability to work effectively with business leaders, legal colleagues, engineers, and outside counsel across multiple regions and cultures.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively within a global legal organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to delivering responsive client service.

 WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The characteristics listed below are representative of the work environment typically encountered by an individual while performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Occasional travel out of the country is required

• Job requires visitation to various Nordson and customer sites, which have varying environments/conditions, layouts, and accessibility

NOTE: The above stated duties are intended to outline those functions typically performed by individuals assigned to this classification.  This description of duties is not intended to be all-inclusive or to limit the discretionary authority of supervisors to assign other tasks of similar nature or level of responsibility nor does it imply an employment agreement.