Principal IP Counsel - Freedom to Operate
This position is responsible for partnering with our R&D and IP Legal teams to execute IP-specific strategies for Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) and enforcement activities across the entire Medtronic portfolio. This Senior Principal IP Counsel will conduct patent risk assessments; execute FTO activities to reach objectives; and work closely with operating unit IP counsel and R&D teams to bring new products to life. This position reports to the Senior IP Manager, Freedom to Operate.
We believe that when people from different cultures, genders, and points of view come together, innovation is the result—and everyone wins. Medtronic walks the walk, creating an inclusive culture where you can thrive.
This position can reside in Lafayette, CO or any of our other US Medtronic office locations in the US.
A Day in the Life
Responsibilities may include the following and other duties may be assigned.
- Partnering with internal stakeholders to execute IP-specific strategies for Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) and enforcement activities across the entire Medtronic portfolio.
- Reviewing and interpreting FTO search results, and distilling findings into actionable recommendations.
- Analyzing actual or potential third-party infringement claims, including patent validity assessments.
- Collaborating with our engineering, marketing and business development teams to understand Medtronic’s competition, current portfolio, and emerging technologies.
- Supporting new product development by performing patent clearance studies.
- Building relationships across Medtronic Legal and business teams through consistent management of IP risks.
- Developing strategic relationships and managing outside counsel to accomplish key deliverables on time and on budget.
- Monitoring changes to the evolving competitive landscape for medical device and healthcare technology.
- Serving as a day-to-day resource to the in-house attorneys and R&D teams by answering questions and offering practical legal advice on a wide range of IP and other issues directed to FTO activities, including best practices and internal policy implementation.
- Being a Strategic and Inclusive IP Partner.
- Modeling the Medtronic Mindset – act boldly; compete to win; move with speed and decisiveness; foster belonging; and deliver results the right way.
- Demonstrating appropriate technical acumen and IP risk calibration.
- Confidently communicating IP advice in a clear and succinct way to all levels of management.
- J.D.
- 5+ years of FTO and IP enforcement experience
- Licensed to practice in at least one state or the District of Columbia
- Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or similar scientific discipline
- Broad IP experience, including freedom-to-operate, opinion preparation, licensing, and IP transactions, and patent prosecution
- Litigation experience strongly preferred
- Demonstrated strong collaboration and relationship-building skills to work across stakeholders at all levels of the organization
- Excellent written, verbal, and listening communications skills, including the ability to develop compelling presentations, and distill complex information into business language
- The ability to prioritize across multiple tasks and demands and remain organized
- Strong sense of ownership and accountability for projects
- Able to thrive in ambiguity and make decisions amidst multiple, competing demands and activities
- A proactive partner with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented, and curious mindset
- Working knowledge of Microsoft applications, including SharePoint, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
About Medtronic
Together, we can change healthcare worldwide. At Medtronic, we push the limits of what technology, therapies and services can do to help alleviate pain, restore health and extend life. We challenge ourselves and each other to make tomorrow better than yesterday. It is what makes this an exciting and rewarding place to be.
We want to accelerate and advance our ability to create meaningful innovations - but we will only succeed with the right people on our team. Let’s work together to address universal healthcare needs and improve patients’ lives. Help us shape the future.
Physical Job Requirements
The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For Office Roles: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer, and communicate with peers and co-workers. Contact your manager, recruiter or local HR to understand the Work Conditions and Physical requirements that may be specific to each role. (ADA-United States of America)
A commitment to our employees lives at the core of our values. We recognize their contributions. They share in the success they help to create. We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage. Learn more about our benefits here.
This position is eligible for a short-term incentive plan. Learn more about Medtronic Incentive Plan (MIP) here.
The base salary range is applicable across the United States, excluding Puerto Rico and specific locations in California. The offered rate complies with federal and local regulations and may vary based on factors such as experience, certification/education, market conditions, and location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others).
