Overview
Synaptics is looking for an Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property, to join our dynamic and growing organization. The AGC-IP will be Synaptics’ intellectual property leader and will be responsible for working in close partnership with business units, engineers, cross functional teams, and other peers to provide legal support, develop intellectual property protection strategies, grow Synaptics’ patent portfolio, and mitigate IP risk. The AGC-IP will manage a multi-million dollar budget and will lead a team of four IP engineers and paralegals located in China, India, and Japan. This position reports to the SVP, General Counsel and Secretary.
Millions of people experience Synaptics every day. Our technology impacts how people see, hear, touch, and engage with a wide range of IoT applications – at home, at work, in the car or on the go.
We solve complex challenges alongside the most influential companies in the industry, using the most advanced algorithms in areas such as machine learning, biometrics, and video processing, combined with world class software and silicon development.
The typical base pay range for this position is USD $213,000 – $335,500 per year. Individual pay is determined by many factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus, equity, and other benefits. Note that compensation listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.
Responsibilities
Job Duties
- Advise the General Counsel, executive team, and board of directors on intellectual property matters
- Develop, evaluate, and manage the company’s patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret portfolios strategically to maximize value
- Develop, implement, and improve IP processes and organizational capability
- Lead, develop and mentor the IP team and manage its annual budget
- Analyze IP landscapes, perform IP risk assessments, and provide mitigation strategies
- Manage intellectual property litigation and other IP disputes and claims
- Cultivate collaborative relationships with technologists to identify and document inventions, and lead invention disclosure review committees to evaluate inventions and determine IP protection strategies
- Conduct prior art searches and analysis
- Prepare and prosecute patent applications worldwide
- Manage outside counsel to ensure quality and timely work product within budget
- Manage the company’s inventor remuneration and rewards programs
- Train inventors on intellectual property processes and procedures
Competencies
- Proven track record of building, leading, and motivating teams: achieves organizational focus on key priorities, provides clear direction, delegates, actively communicates and coaches – a committed mentor, people developer and team builder
- Ability to influence and lead through change and are motivated by the challenge of a fast-paced, high-growth global environment
- Strong technical analysis, critical thinking, and synthesis skills to analyze and solve problems that are not clearly defined and require in depth understanding of organizational objectives – Unafraid to explore new ideas and technologies
- Ability to identify trends and opportunities to develop strategies and implement solutions to improve IP tools, systems, and processes
- Establishes clear expectations, sets objectives, and brings multiple parties together to drive key initiatives
- Strong organizational skills with ability to effectively plan, prioritize, and balance multiple ongoing projects and tasks with competing priorities
- Excellent communication that is clear, concise, and compelling
- Experienced at working effectively across multiple levels of an organization and building successful cross functional partnerships
- Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy
Qualifications
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, or related field or equivalent
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active admission to at least one state bar, preferably California
- Registered with the USPTO
- 12+ years of patent preparation and prosecution experience in a relevant technology field
- Prior experience managing an intellectual property function and team in a corporate environment
- Prior law firm experience desired
- Demonstrated experience managing a global patent portfolio
- Experience developing budgets and managing outside counsel
- Experience with an IP asset management and docketing system (e.g., Anaqua)
- Experience with open source, copyrights, and trademarks
- Mandarin language skills are a plus but not required
- Minimal travel (less than 10%)
Belief in Diversity
Synaptics is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information.