Patent Attorney - Engineering & Product Development - Johnson Health Tech Companies - Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, United States

Full-time

Description

WHO WE ARE

Johnson Health Tech is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing fitness equipment manufacturers, delivering innovative solutions that help people live healthier lives. Through our award-winning portfolio of commercial and residential brands, we serve customers in more than 60 countries worldwide.

We are driven by our mission to delight and excite our customers through truly innovative products, exceptional service, and best-in-class customer experience. We believe in creating a culture that is Fun. Flexible. Friendly. while empowering our employees to make a meaningful impact on our customers, teams, and communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the direction of the Patent & Advanced Mechanics Manager, the Patent Litigation and Regulatory Compliance Manager will take a leadership role in protecting and defending the company’s intellectual property, with primary responsibility for patent litigation, patent prosecution, and IP enforcement. Performs patent searches on product innovations our product teams are developing, reviews status of patentable innovations on behalf of the brand companies and submits patent applications to the US Patent Office to protect the company’s intellectual property.

As a secondary function, the role also participates in the creation and improvement of industry consensus standards by engaging with industry regulatory groups in the United States and elsewhere in the world, and acts as a liaison between industry regulatory bodies and Johnson, providing guidance and clarifying interpretation of the standards for the Product and R&D teams as required.

This is a non-supervisory position.

RESPONSIBILIES

Job Function 1: 

Patent Litigation:

• Lead and manage patent litigation matters on behalf of Johnson, including representing Johnson in court, and drafting briefs and other litigation documents without the need to utilize outside counsel.

• Provide documents and information supporting Johnson’s position in any ongoing patent litigation.

• Direct and prepare for litigation and USPTO proceedings (such as the Inter Partes Review process), working closely with outside counsel when necessary.

• Evaluate infringement claims against and by Johnson, and recommend enforcement or defense strategy

• Conduct patent searches and create/submit patent applications to the US Patent Office

• Review patents and applications for purchase, licensing, or challenge opportunities as time allows

Product Development:

• Assist design engineers in developing designs that are novel and non-obvious

• Act as a liaison between R&D team at JHTNA and Intellectual Property team at JHT (Headquarter Taiwan)

• Perform patent searches

• Meet all patent application milestones and deadlines

• Work with brands to protect prototypes and inventions from public showings

• Create and apply for design and utility patent

• Work under minimal supervision

Job Function 2: 

Regulatory Compliance (After On-Job-Training):

• Participate in the creation and improvement of industry consensus standards

• Provide interpretation of the standards for the Product and R&D teams as required

• Review prototypes and product designs with the Product and R&D teams for preliminary regulatory compliance

• Utilize knowledge of industry standards to suggest future design opportunities

Other Job Functions:

• Other projects as assigned

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Licensing

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.


• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biomechanics, or another technical field.


• Active admission to practice law in at least one U.S. state.


• Qualified to practice as a Patent Attorney before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Experience

• Experience reading, analyzing, and interpreting patents.


• Experience supporting patent prosecution, patent litigation, intellectual property matters, or related legal work.


• Ability to understand complex technical concepts and communicate them effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.


• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply evolving industry regulations and standards.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, business leaders, outside counsel, industry organizations, and regulatory stakeholders.


• Interest in supporting regulatory and industry standards initiatives, including participating in the development of future regulations affecting the fitness industry.


• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Licensing

• Admission to the Wisconsin State Bar or willingness and ability to obtain Wisconsin licensure.

Experience

• 2+ years of patent litigation experience.


• Experience leading patent litigation matters from filing through resolution, including Inter Partes Review (IPR) and other USPTO proceedings.


• Experience with trademarks, copyrights, and broader intellectual property portfolio management.


• Experience with product liability matters, litigation support, or coordination with outside counsel.


• Experience with regulatory compliance, industry standards, or product safety requirements within a manufacturing, consumer products, medical device, fitness equipment, or other technical environment.

Industry & Technical Knowledge

• Background in product development, engineering innovation, or technical R&D environments.


• Familiarity with domestic and international patent strategy and intellectual property protection.


• Exposure to regulatory frameworks, standards organizations, or industry committees that influence product compliance and safety requirements.

Work environment:

This role requires onsite attendance five days per week in a typical office environment with moderate noise levels. This position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work arrangements. Occasional work-related travel may be required.

Benefits & Perks:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Company-paid life insurance and AD&D coverage

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Paid time off (PTO)

• FSA and HSA options

• Employee product discounts, wellness resources, and employee assistance programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.