Patent Counsel

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Partner closely with engineers, scientists, product leaders, and other R&D stakeholders to identify potentially patentable innovations, draw out key technical details, and develop invention disclosures into mature submissions ready for outside patent prosecution counsel.
Lead third-party patent portfolio analysis, freedom-to-operate and clearance reviews, and risk assessments in collaboration with senior legal leadership and outside counsel.
Provide support to litigation matters with claims analysis. 
Manage the day-to-day operation of the WHOOP trademark portfolio, including coordinating filings, renewals, watch notices, routine enforcement matters, and managing outside counsel.
Help develop, document, and roll out internal IP policies, workflows, and trainings that improve how teams identify, protect, and use intellectual property.
Build scalable operational processes for patent portfolio management, including helping evaluate, implement, and maintain an internal docketing system.
Serve as a trusted cross-functional partner to Legal, R&D, Product, and business teams by translating complex IP concepts into clear, practical guidance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

J.D. from an accredited law school, USPTO patent attorney registration, and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
6+ years of experience in patent law and intellectual property counseling, preferably a mix of major law firm and in-house experience.
Technical background in electrical engineering, signal processing, or optics is preferred.  
Experience working directly with technical teams to evaluate inventions, understand complex technologies, and translate early-stage concepts into strong patent disclosures or related IP recommendations.
Familiarity with patent landscape analysis, third-party portfolio review, freedom-to-operate or clearance analysis, and coordinating with outside counsel on patent-related matters.
Experience managing or supporting trademark portfolio work is a plus.
Demonstrated ability to build processes, improve workflows, and support the operational foundation of a growing legal or IP function, including comfort with docketing or portfolio management systems.
Strong judgment, communication skills, and the ability to balance legal risk, business priorities, and technical complexity in a fast-paced environment.
Strong commitment to embracing and leveraging AI tools in day-to-day tasks, ensuring AI-assisted work aligns with the same high-quality standards as personal contributions.