Corporate Counsel, IP

Overview

Okta is a cloud-first SaaS provider that helps organizations secure and manage identity across the enterprise. We are looking for a patent attorney who brings technical expertise in software or electrical engineering and will work closely with legal, business, and engineering teams to expand and protect Okta’s global intellectual‑property portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management & Strategic Advice
  • Oversee the lifecycle of Okta's IP assets, aligning them with corporate strategy.
  • Refine and execute offensive and defensive IP strategies to maintain competitive advantage.
  • Advise on IP‑related business risks and emerging legal trends.
  • Translate complex IP concepts into business‑oriented advice for non‑legal stakeholders.
  • Develop company‑wide IP policies, including invention disclosure programs and patent incentive schemes.
• Patent
  • Partner with engineering and product teams to identify patentable inventions and promote patent literacy.
  • Collaborate with outside counsel on drafting and prosecuting high‑quality patent applications.
  • Analyze the industry’s patent landscape to guide strategy and drafting approach.
  • Ensure broad protection of core technologies and implement forward‑looking systems for next‑generation ideas.
• Other IP Issues
  • Advise on trade‑secret policies and implementations.
  • Guide software copyright protection and open‑source usage; manage copyright claims.
  • Support brand protection through trademark registration and enforcement.
  • Address legal issues related to API integrations, digital content, professional services, and developer agreements.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate IP‑specific provisions in MSAs, JDAs, vendor contracts, and licensing agreements.
  • Conduct IP due diligence for potential acquisitions; draft closing documents and transition service agreements.
• Compliance and Policy
  • Assist with IP‑related compliance issues and industry standards relevant to SaaS and cybersecurity.
  • Deliver training on IP best practices and confidentiality.
• Litigation
  • Support all phases of IP litigation.

Qualifications

• Education & Credentials
  • J.D. from an accredited law school and active Bar membership.
  • Undergraduate or graduate degree(s) in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field.
  • USPTO Registered Patent Attorney.
• Experience
  • 5+ years of IP experience, including software patent prosecution.
• Technical Savvy
  • Experience with SaaS, cloud‑based software, or other relevant technology.
• Mindset
  • A builder who thrives in fast‑paced environments and balances rigorous legal analysis with practical business needs.
  • Flexibility and team mentality.
  • Sense of humor.
  • Ability and desire to work independently.

Benefits & Salary

The annual base salary range for candidates located in California (excluding the San Francisco Bay Area), Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Washington is $180,000 – $248,000 USD. Okta also offers equity (where applicable), bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision insurance, 401(k), flexible spending account, and paid leave (including PTO and parental leave).

Equal Employment Opportunity

Okta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a protected veteran. We also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and convictions records, consistent with applicable laws.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to complete any part of the job application, interview process, or onboarding please use the provided form to request an accommodation.

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