What do IP Legal Counsel?
In general, legal (in-house) IP counsel serve the legal IP needs of a company’s daily operations. The major job is to advise corporate and legal staff divisions on issues related to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and know how. They advise on acquiring and defending the company’s IPRs, work with third parties to properly record the IPRs, draft agreements when IPRs are being licensed or asserts the IPRs against third parties, working together with outside litigation counsel. IP counsel are involved in all kinds of IP issues that arise in a variety of organizations that have IPRs or other intangible assets. In biotech and pharma companies, the IP counsel may also manage regulatory processes. IP counsel are specialized, legally trained in-house advisors, experienced in a variety of IP and IP-related laws.
What skills are required?
- Combining strong technical skills, sharp intellect, and experience to resolve difficult, complex intellectual property legal and business problems
- Being able to effectively manage diverse personalities and relationships, internally and externally
- Thinking outside of the box, and being able to come up with new and creative ideas in business and IP legal matters
- Leading others by communicating a compelling vision that moves individuals, teams, and the organization to perform at a higher level and embrace change
- Seeing the trees in the forest and being able to focus on critical tasks that add value
- Communicating effectively at all levels of the organization, in written and verbal communication
- Delegating by making individuals accountable, providing feedback, as well as recruiting, mentoring, and growing talent for current and future roles.