Global Patent Agent

Job Title: Patent Agent

Function/Department: Legal

Reports to: IP General Counsel

Management or Independent Contributor: IC

FLSA: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Global Patent Agent, who will be a member of the Global Patent Committee, will be integral in developing and maintaining a strong bridge between the legal and engineering teams to protect Vertiv's intellectual property. The primary responsibility will be helping turn ideas from Vertiv employees into valuable patents. This will include participating in the development, management, and supervision of patent policies, procedures, and processes for the entire company, as well as patent-related issues for North America and specific Business Units.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct and analyze patentability, product clearance, and validity searches for new product designs and modifications of existing products;
• Plan, administer, and maintain IP training and incentive/recognition programs to encourage a culture of innovation at Vertiv;
• Work with inventors to develop ideas into viable invention disclosures, and collaborate with outside patent counsel to file robust patent applications;
• Review and edit patent documents, i dentify and solve problems during the patent lifecycle and approve solutions;
• P rovide guidance and instructions to outside counsel on prosecution, international filing decisions, continuations, abandonments, etc.;
• Conduct research in the enforcement and defense of all patent-related litigation;
• Oversee budgets and track spending for patent-related matters, including annuity and law firm payments; and
• Prepare reports of patent-related metrics/KPIs.

Education and Experience:

• Preferred candidate will have at least 2 years of full-time claim drafting and patent prosecution experience with a reputable law firm or company;
• Minimum BS in Engineering (electrical, mechanical, materials, chemical) or Physics; an MS or Ph.D. would certainly be valued;
• Prior engineering experience would be a plus;
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills suitable for substantial client interaction; and
• USPTO license (for patent agent or patent attorney) is preferred.
  

The successful candidate will reflect and embrace Vertiv’s Values and Behaviors:

OUR VALUES

• Acting Like an Owner
• Assuming Positive intent in all employee interactions
• Being passionate about your work
• Challenging yourself in personal development
• Being tireless in exceeding customer expectations
• Assisting others to be successful as a team
• Owning our own mistakes quickly
• Talking with people and NOT about them
• Creating a culture where people can be their best

OUR BEHAVIORS

• Be self-aware and learn
• Embrace the customer experience
• Think and act broadly
• Drive change and innovation
• Leverage diversity for organization effectiveness
• Foster collaborative relationships
• Take intelligent risks
  

At Vertiv, we offer the stability of a global leader in a growing industry and the opportunity of a startup. We design, manufacture and service the mission-critical infrastructure technologies for vital applications in data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial environments. With $5 billion in sales, a strong customer base and global reach in nearly 70 countries, our move to establish a standalone business enables us to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people.

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to help.join@vertivco.com

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.