IP Partner

Locations: Rochester, Buffalo, or Albany, NY

Position Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Compensation: $200,000–$700,000 annually + bonus potential

Position Overview

A well-established, full-service law firm is seeking an accomplished Intellectual Property Partner to join and provide senior-level leadership within its Intellectual Property practice.

This is a broad, patent-focused opportunity for an experienced attorney with significant expertise in U.S. and international patent prosecution, IP counseling, licensing and transactions, and patent and trademark litigation . The practice serves clients across technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and food and beverage industries, with particular strength in industrial, manufacturing, and mechanical technologies.

The ideal candidate will be a registered U.S. patent attorney with a strong technical background and the experience and judgment to independently lead sophisticated matters, develop client relationships, mentor attorneys and legal professionals, and contribute to the continued growth of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead U.S. and international patent prosecution and portfolio strategy, particularly involving mechanical and industrial technologies.
• Conduct infringement, validity, freedom-to-operate, and patentability analyses.
• Counsel clients regarding competitive surveillance, global IP strategy, forecasting, and budgeting.
• Negotiate sophisticated IP licensing agreements and cross-border transactions involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Advise clients regarding trademark protection, portfolio management, and enforcement strategies.
• Handle patent and trademark litigation before federal courts, the TTAB, and Federal Circuit.
• Lead intellectual property due diligence in connection with mergers, acquisitions, financings, and other corporate transactions.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships while identifying opportunities for continued practice growth.
• Supervise and mentor associates, patent agents, paralegals, and other members of the IP team.
• Remain current on developments in intellectual property law through continuing legal education and involvement with relevant professional organizations.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active admission to the New York State Bar .
• Registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) .
• Engineering or hard-science degree, preferably with a mechanical or industrial focus .
• 10+ years of substantive intellectual property experience encompassing patent prosecution, transactions, counseling, and litigation.
• Admission or eligibility for admission to applicable federal courts and the Federal Circuit.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to manage sophisticated client matters.
• Strong record of developing and maintaining client relationships.
• Ability to mentor and develop attorneys and other legal professionals.
• Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Entrepreneurial approach with an interest in business development and expanding an established IP practice.

Compensation & Relocation

The anticipated annual compensation range for this position is $200,000 to $700,000, with additional bonus potential . This range reflects a reasonable estimate of compensation for the role at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on several considerations, including the successful candidate's experience, qualifications, technical background, skill set, business development capabilities, and selected office location.

Relocation assistance may be provided to qualified candidates interested in joining one of the firm's New York offices.

Confidentiality

All candidate inquiries, applications, and discussions regarding this opportunity will be handled with strict confidentiality .

Additional Information

This description is intended to provide an overview of the primary responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position and should not be considered an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may evolve or include additional duties based on client needs, practice requirements, and the attorney's experience and areas of expertise.