Job Information
Whirlpool Corporation Patent Counsel in Benton Harbor, Michigan
Requisition ID: 61001
ABOUT WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION:
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. In an increasingly digital world, the company is driving purposeful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit, Yummly and InSinkErator. In 2022, the company reported approximately $20 billion in annual sales, 61,000 employees and 56 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.
The team you will be a part of:
The Legal General team performs a variety of legal activities in accordance with the established standards of the legal profession to protect the organization's reputation and business interests and help ensure it complies with all relevant laws and regulations. Prepares legal contracts, letters of agreement, and other documents related to a variety of trade, commercial, financial, and operational matters (e.g., loans, leases, purchase agreements, acquisitions, divestitures, employment contracts). Represents the organization in legal proceedings before courts, government agencies, or other authorities.
This role in summary:
The Patent Counsel position will be responsible for developing the legal strategy and providing legal counsel to ensure that Whirlpool’s current and future innovations are protected. This position reports through the law department to the Legal Director, Patents & Intellectual Property Litigation, and supports Whirlpool’s global product organization. At Whirlpool, the Patent Counsel role is expected to bring leadership and expertise in the area of patents, trade secrets, and innovation protection to Whirlpool’s business units, the law department, and in administrative and judicial proceedings. You will help ensure Whirlpool’s unique and compelling innovations are a core driver of Whirlpool’s success in product leadership and improving life at home.
Your responsibilities will include:
Developing and executing intellectual property protection strategies related to assigned Whirlpool innovation and technology areas.
Advising on patent strategy, and managing the filing, prosecution, and maintenance of Whirlpool’s global patent portfolio.
Negotiating intellectual property-related contracts, including M&A, confidentiality, development, and license agreements, and assisting in negotiation of more general commercial agreements, including procurement and service agreements.
Investigating and pursuing opportunities to enforce Whirlpool’s intellectual property and monetize its intellectual property assets
Establishing product clearance plans and reviewing and advising on freedom-to-operate risks.
Providing intellectual property advice and training to the engineering and business teams.
Developing and improving the processes and systems that enable the patent function within the law department to efficiently deliver a sophisticated intellectual property strategy.
Provide thought leadership in advancing Whirlpool’s business strategy through intellectual property.
Organize and lead strategic legal projects, including building relationships and inspiring cross-functional collaboration.
Design and implement efficient and effective processes for meeting the business’s need for legal strategies and support.
Recognize and cut to the core of legal issues and then provide a practical, business-oriented approach to problem solving.
Be relied upon to effectively and independently manage major projects.Communicate clearly and concisely with technical and non-technical audiences, both in writing and verbally.
Minimum requirements:
JD from an accredited law school, with strong academic credentials and Bar Admission.
Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field.
Approximately 5-10 years of legal experience as an attorney.
Ability to prioritize and manage a large volume of concurrent projects.
Strong analytical, organization, communication, and project management skills.
Preferred skills and experiences:
Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Experience in patent or trade secret litigation, IP transactions, patent monetization, and global patent portfolio management.
Additional information:
Whirlpool’s Ways of Working -
Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. We apply ‘always on’ flexibility to all work days. You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed. Employees in this role work in person Monday through Thursday with the option to work from anywhere on Friday.
We offer other flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including:
Flexible Friday - Option to work extra hours Monday through Thursday to finish up work early on Friday.
Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.
Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.
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Connect with us and learn more about Whirlpool Corporation. See what it's like to work at Whirlpool by visiting Whirlpool Careers (http://www.whirlpoolcareers.com/) . Additional information about the company can be found on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/WhirlpoolCorp/) , Twitter (http://twitter.com/whirlpoolcorp) , LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/company/whirlpool-corporation/life/) , Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/whirlpoolcorp/) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/WhirlpoolCorporation) . At Whirlpool Corporation, we value and celebrate diversity. Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.