Sr. Counsel - Intellectual Property

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. Job Summary We are seeking an Intellectual Property (IP) Attorney with 8 years of experience to support high-priority IP licensing and technology agreements, including administration of existing license obligations and related data cleanup/validation. The role also supports IP diligence for strategic transactions, disputes/enforcement coordination, cross-functional IP risk counseling, government IP rights (FAR/DFARS, subject inventions, data rights), and patent prosecution activities in partnership with outside counsel. This position is based in Columbus, OH or the D.C. Metro areas. Responsibilities Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements (licensing, MSAs/standalone agreements, NDAs, strategic partnerships, and related commercial terms), with emphasis on client-funded/sponsored work. Support review and administration of existing IP license agreements (key terms, reporting obligations, and compliance); assist in tracking down supporting documentation (e.g., certificates of insurance, royalty reports/payments, notices) from internal stakeholders and external counterparties; and validate/update records and perform agreement audits. Partner with leadership and cross-functional teams (product, engineering, R&D, marketing, contracts, and business teams) to provide practical guidance on IP risk, licensing positions, and commercialization opportunities; support IP diligence for strategic transactions and conduct scope clearances. Advise on and support compliance with government IP rights and contracting clauses (subject inventions, data rights, and applicable FAR/DFARS requirements). Support patent prosecution and portfolio management, including reviewing invention disclosures and partnering with the business to assess patentability, strategic value, and filing priorities; gather technical and business information from inventors and stakeholders to support drafting and prosecution; coordinate with outside counsel on drafting, filing, and prosecution strategies; and conduct prior art searches. Support development of the company’s IP strategy and help create and maintain IP and AI policies and practical playbooks (particularly for the contracts team); provide IP guidance and training to cross‑functional teams. Support emerging‑technology initiatives; support IP enforcement and dispute resolution. Key Qualifications J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to a U.S. state bar (active and in good standing); U.S. Patent Bar registration (or eligibility) and an undergraduate technical degree (science/engineering) are preferred. 8 years of intellectual property‑focused legal experience, with significant experience in IP licensing and technology agreements. Strong negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills; ability to deliver strategic, practical, business‑oriented advice and influence senior stakeholders. Patent prosecution experience, including partnering with inventors and internal stakeholders to gather technical and business information for filings; managing outside counsel; supporting drafting/review of applications; and driving prosecution decisions and workflows (e.g., searches, office action responses, examiner interviews, and maintenance coordination). Experience with (or strong willingness to learn) government IP rights and clauses, including subject inventions and data rights; familiarity with FAR/DFARS is strongly preferred. Excellent organizational skills and follow‑through; ability to manage multiple matters in a fast‑paced environment and work effectively across cross‑functional teams. Comfort with IP operations and systems; experience with (or willingness to learn) tools such as Legal Tracker, MDC, CPA Global, Anaqua, or similar platforms. Preferred Qualifications Combination of law firm and in‑house experience preferred; Ohio or Maryland bar admission is a plus. Experience supporting IP diligence in M&A transactions and/or government contracting IP issues (subject inventions/data rights; FAR/DFARS). Interest in artificial intelligence and supporting AI governance‑related work. Working Style Business‑oriented judgment and a solutions‑first mindset. Team‑oriented and collaborative; effective in a nimble, agile legal team and cross‑functional environment. Highly organized with strong follow‑through; able to manage multiple matters simultaneously. Clear, concise communicator who can influence stakeholders. Comfort with ambiguity and rapid change; eager to learn new tools and subject matter. Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life We care about your well‑being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life. Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time. Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in‑office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in‑office days, dependent on team and position needs. Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated. Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits. Better together : Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support. Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that. Advance your education : Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education. A Work Environment Where You Succeed For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world. You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to: Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery Partner with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders Give back to and improve our communities Vaccinations & Safety Protocols Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws). Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran‑status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle. The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department. For more information about our other openings, please visit #J-18808-Ljbffr Battelle Memorial Institute