Intellectual Property Attorney

Lutron Electronics Company, Inc

Intellectual Property Attorney

US-PA-Coopersburg

Overview

Lutron is seeking a highly motivated Intellectual Property Attorney to join our IP team in our World Headquarters, in Coopersburg, PA. In this position, you will be responsible for providing a broad range of IP services to the company, both directly and in conjunction with external US and foreign IP counsel. The primary focus of your role will be eliciting invention disclosures, drafting and prosecuting patent applications worldwide, advising on trademark related matters, analyzing third-party IP rights, and contributing to Lutron's global IP strategies. Longer term responsibilities include analyzing competitive products and services for potential infringement issues, advising on third-party IP rights, and helping to drive Lutron's global IP strategies. This position reports to, and works closely with, Lutron's Senior Director of Intellectual Property, and will collaborate with Lutron's business and engineering leaders.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with company engineers to elicit invention disclosures
• Prepare and prosecute US and foreign patent applications with ongoing engagement with engineers and business leaders
• Manage US and foreign patent counsel in drafting and prosecuting US and foreign patent applications
• Manage ongoing strategic maintenance and growth of Lutron's US and foreign patent portfolios
• Assist marketing, sales, and business leaders in branding new products and strategically using, maintaining & growing Lutron's worldwide trademark portfolio
• Prepare, obtain, and analyze patent searches and provide assessments on patentability, non-infringement, and validity
• Prepare, obtain, and analyze trademark searches and provide assessments on worldwide registration, use, and non-infringement
• Build and manage relationships with technical and business leaders to understand Lutron's businesses and align its IP strategies with relevant R&D activities, commercialization plans, and business and technology strategies
• Provide proactive, cost-effective, and efficient IP advice and services tailored to the needs and priorities of Lutron's business units
• Work closely with the internal IP team to continually develop the IP Department to improve processes
• Maintain expertise in US IP laws, regulations, and processes (particularly in the area of patents and trademarks), and working knowledge of global patent and trademark laws, regulations, and processes
• Follow and master relevant technology developments, both internally and externally

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related discipline
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree
• USPTO Patent Bar registration required

• Licensed attorney in one or more states required
• 7+ years of experience drafting patent applications and prosecuting US and foreign patent applications
• Proven ability to exhibit strong executive presence, including professional demeanor, sound judgement and the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics
• Experience as a patent agent/attorney
• Willingness and ability to travel to US engineering offices as required, up to 10% of the time
• 1+ year of software or hardware engineering experience preferred
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the electrical and software fields, with additional experience in mechanical and design applications preferred
• Trademark experience preferred

Lutron Electronics is an Equal Opportunity Affir­mat­ve Action Employer. We welcome qualified, motivated applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.