Sr Ip Counsel

Lightmatter is redefining what computers and human beings are capable of by delivering a fundamentally new kind of computer that calculates using light. Transistors, the workhorse of modern computers, aren't improving at the rate they once were. To scale AI, companies are building increasingly large and energy-intensive data centers, a path that is neither financially nor environmentally sustainable. Lightmatter designs photonic chips and interconnectivity to deliver ultra-high performance and energy efficiency for artificial intelligence computing. Our architecture leverages the unique properties of light to enable fast and efficient inference and training engines.

This is a prime opportunity to design, develop, implement, and enforce the intellectual property strategy and portfolio for a leader in the next evolution of advanced computing - silicon photonics. You will help shape the IP landscape ahead of a rapidly developing field where billions of dollars are invested. If you are excited about joining a small legal team where your ideas shape the strategy, your contributions make a difference, decisions can be made quickly, and you get deeply involved in the technology, business, and strategy of the company.

IP is crucial to protecting and enabling Lightmatter’s business model of driving the next evolution of advanced computing through technological innovation, close partnering with market leaders, and significant investments throughout the photonic computing technology stack.

The ideal candidate has technical expertise in photonics and semiconductors as well as experience personally harvesting inventions and prosecuting patents while shaping and implementing the overall IP strategy. Experience managing IP transactions, disputes, oppositions, and litigation is also highly desirable.

Responsibilities:

• Work across the company to build a world-class intellectual property portfolio by personally helping harvest inventions and drafting, as well as managing U.S. and international patent prosecution, patent prosecution, office action responses, oppositions, etc.
• Work closely with cross-functional stakeholders in product management, engineering, research, and finance to provide counseling and guidance on all aspects of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets
• Design and execute an intellectual property strategy; clearly articulate and communicate pragmatic advice on intellectual property issues to senior business leaders
• Manage intellectual property enforcement and third-party disputes
• Proactively identify and anticipate legal risks and propose solutions for IP-related matters
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements, such as licenses, joint development, and non-disclosure agreements
• Design, communicate, and manage a forward-looking budget strategy in close collaboration with technology and finance teams and other legal stakeholders

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience
• 8+ years of IP knowledge and skills from a law firm and in-house experience
• JD degree from an accredited law school and membership in at least one state bar
• USPTO registration and proven track record of patent prosecution, including drafting patents and responding to office actions
• Strong patent analysis skills, including patent landscape gap analysis, patentability, and claim strategies, as well as an overall solid understanding of patent, trade secret, and trademark laws
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex legal principles clearly and concisely while balancing strategic and tactical issues

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Photonics, Physics Lasers or a related field
• Technical expertise and experience drafting patents for photonics, semiconductors, and computer systems
• Proven track record of strategically developing and managing complex IP portfolios
• Experience handling third-party patent assertions/litigation, patent licensing, and M&A
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment with a hands-on attitude that reflects no project is too big or too small

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• 401k matching
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Paid Family Leave
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Flexible, hybrid workplace model
• Commuter/Transit Benefits
• Stock Option Plan

Base Compensation Range: $260,000.00 - $300,000.00 per year. In accordance with the Colorado, California and New York law, the range provided is Lightmatter's reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. Actual pay will be based on several factors including work experience, location and education.

Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.