Medtronic, Inc. is seeking a Patent Counsel (II) who develops and maintains company patent applications, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, licensing and research agreements, publications and intellectual property aspects of contracts and agreements. Prepares legal opinions and analysis of patents; reviews and drafts significant corporate legal documents. Evaluates the validity of competitors’ patents and potential company product infringement upon valid patents of competitors. Responsible for pre-patent filing review, providing legal advice to the company concerning the patent viability of its inventions and the advisability of filing patent applications covering the company’s inventions. Provides other general legal advice and represents the company in matters relating to intellectual property law. Requires undergraduate or graduate science degree and law school (LL.B. or J.D.) degree, and admission to practice in at least one state.

Responsibilities:
FUNCTIONING FACTORS
• Knowledge: Applies mastery of in-depth knowledge in one job family or broader expertise in most areas of a job function.

• Problem Solving: Develops solutions to complex problems that require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity. Ensures that solutions are consistent with organization objectives.

• Discretion / Latitude: Work is performed without appreciable direction. Exercises considerable latitude in determining deliverables of assignment. Completed work is reviewed from a relatively long-term perspective, for desired results. May provide guidance about work activities to colleagues.

• Impact: Contributes to defining the direction for new products, processes, standards, or operational plans based on business strategy with a significant impact on work group results. Failure to obtain results or erroneous decisions or recommendations would typically result in serious impact on customers and/or results and considerable expenditure of resources.

• Liaison: Frequent interaction with internal or external contacts at various organizational levels concerning ongoing operations or changes relating to processes or programs. Leads briefings with internal and external contacts.

• Adhere to the Medtronic Core Behaviors of Customer Focus, Candor, Trust and Respect, Courage, Accountability, and Passion to Win.

Basic Qualifications:
• A Juris Doctor from a recognized, accredited U.S. law school and licensed to practice in at least one state or the District of Columbia with the ability to ultimately be admitted in Tennessee; registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Must have a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelors degree in Biomedical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Or

• A Juris Doctor from a recognized, accredited U.S. law school and licensed to practice in at least one state or the District of Columbia with the ability to ultimately be admitted in Tennessee; registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Must have a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Masters degree in Biomedical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or related field.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Ability to work well under pressure and maintain positive, enthusiastic attitude
• Eagerness to learn and expand responsibilities
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and build strong working relationships.
• 10-20% travel required.
• Desired/Preferred Qualifications Bachelors/Masters Degree in Biomedical, Chemistry, Biology or related field highly preferred. Experience providing IP counsel with respect to regulatory filings is preferred.

Physical Job Requirements:
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job involve normal vision.

Contact:
Apply online by visiting: www.medtronic.com/careers

Additional Info:
Employer Type: Large Corporation
Job Location: Memphis, Tennessee