Xero 
is looking to continue on its aggressive global growth plans, particularly in the U.S. To facilitate and help drive this growth, Xero is looking to hire a Global Intellectual Property Counsel to be based in San Francisco and head up Xero's IP function, taking responsibility for strategy and execution across the entire IP spectrum.
The role will report to Xero's General Counsel (located in NZ), and will work closely with US based in-house legal, product, development, and other business units globally, interacting with senior management on all matters relating to Xero's IP strategy.
This is a unique opportunity for an intelligent and commercially minded IP professional to drive and implement a global IP strategy for a fast-growing global SaaS company.
Key Responsibilities:
- Driving and implementing Xero's global IP strategy
- Providing pro-active legal advice and preparing internal policies in relation to relevant IP matters
- Assisting with the development and management of Xero's internal patent portfolio program, including management of patent application preparation and prosecution
- Managing Xero's global trademark strategy and coordinating with applicable business units
- Managing any IP related litigation and enforcement issues
- Liaising with, and managing, Xero's external IP advisors and
- Managing all other IP functions of the Xero Group
You will need:
- JD degree with strong academic results, and admission to at least one state bar
- 7+ years relevant experience in a law firm or in-house
- Admission to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office is preferred
- Broad US IP experience, preferably also with global focus
- Experience with the preparation and prosecution of patent applications
- Experience with drafting and prosecuting trademark applications, and dealing with any trademark enforcement issues
- Preparing and negotiating license agreements and other IP related contracts
- Experience advising on US data security/privacy compliance is a bonus, as is experience in open-source licensing matters
- Experience advising companies in the technology sector (preferably cloud based or SaaS companies)
- Strong commercial acumen and pragmatic approach
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work autonomously
- Ability to take a proactive and creative approach to managing/solving relevant issues
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally (to New Zealand in particular)
Xero is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Contact
Apply online by visiting this link: https://www.xero.com/us/about/
Additional Info
Job Location: San Francisco, California