Assistant General Counsel - Trademarks

Career Area

Legal and Compliance

Job Description

Caterpillar is seeking an Assistant General Counsel – Trademarks to provide strategic leadership for Caterpillar’s global trademark portfolio, protecting and advancing one of the world’s most valuable brands. This role reports to the Head of Trademarks and partners closely with senior business and legal leaders to manage risk, support growth, and ensure strong trademark assets and protection across global markets in a high‑volume, dynamic environment.

What You Will Do

• Provide leadership on global trademark strategy, including prosecution, enforcement, portfolio optimization, and risk management across U.S. and international jurisdictions.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders (VP and above), counseling on complex trademark, brand, and strategic business issues.

• Oversee a high‑volume trademark portfolio (300‑500 active matters annually) including acquisition advice, clearance, prosecution, maintenance and enforcement actions. Counterfeit seizure coordination with local law enforcement will be required.

• Manage outside counsel globally, including budget oversight, performance management, and vendor strategy.

• Support and develop a globally distributed team, including paralegals and support staff, fostering growth, accountability, and operational excellence.

• Support subsidiary and product branding initiatives, including trademarks related to technology, AI, digital tools, icons, and media assets.

• Partner cross‑functionally to ensure compliance in dynamic geopolitical and sanctions‑impacted environments.

• Drive continuous improvement through process optimization, technology adoption, and effective use of AI tools.

What You Have

• Deep expertise in U.S. and international trademark law, including prosecution, enforcement, and portfolio management strategies.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to align legal strategies to Caterpillar’s long‑term growth and brand objectives.

• Vision and understanding of complex cross‑discipline international IP options to support business objectives.

• Proven experience managing outside counsel and vendors including budget management and high‑volume legal workflows.

• Excellent executive‑level communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, concise guidance and risk advice.

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams across geographies and cultures and excellent teamwork/networking skills.

• Understanding of the broader global legal landscape to issue spot and support compliance risk management.

• The ability to prioritize, execute, and make appropriate decisions under pressure.

Degree and Experience Required

• J.D. required.

• Licensed to practice law in Texas or Illinois, or licensed in another U.S. state and able to become licensed in Texas or Illinois.

• 10+ years of progressively responsible job‑related experience.

Top Candidate Will Also Have

• In‑house legal experience strongly preferred.

• Experience supporting global brands in regulated, multinational environments.

• Comfort operating in high‑visibility, fast‑paced, and high‑decision‑volume role.

What You Will Get

• Our goal at Caterpillar is to give you a rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world.

• Salary and total rewards package that includes benefits on day one (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401(k)) along with the potential of an annual bonus. Additional benefits include paid vacation days and paid holidays.

• All qualified individuals – including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities – are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.).

• 401(k) savings plans.

• Health Savings Account (HSA).

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

• Health Lifestyle Programs.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts.

• Career Development.

• Incentive bonus.

• Disability benefits.

• Life Insurance.

• Parental leave.

• Adoption benefits.

• Tuition Reimbursement.

* These benefits also apply to part‑time employees.

Salary

Summary Pay Range: $200,640.00 – $300,960.00

Additional Details

Domestic relocation assistance is available for qualifying candidates. International and domestic travel up to 10% is required. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.