Intellectual Property Manager

Job Title: Intellectual Property Manager

Department: Product / Legal / Innovation

Reports To: Andrew Angel

Overview:

The Intellectual Property Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the company’s intellectual property (IP) strategy with a focus on protecting and maximizing the value of the organization’s products, innovations, and proprietary information. This role serves as the internal subject matter expert on intellectual property and will work closely with product development, engineering, operations, and leadership to ensure proper ownership, protection, and commercialization of the company’s IP assets.

The Intellectual Property Manager will oversee IP-related documentation including NDAs, contracts, and licensing agreements, while establishing processes that ensure the organization maintains internal ownership and control of all proprietary technologies, designs, and product innovations.

Key Responsibilities

IP Strategy & Ownership

Develop and implement a comprehensive intellectual property strategy that ensures internal ownership and protection of the company’s innovations and product developments.

Identify, document, and manage all intellectual property assets including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, product designs, and proprietary processes.

Work closely with product development, engineering, marketing and operations teams to understand company products and innovations and ensure appropriate IP protections are in place.

Establish processes and policies to ensure new product developments and innovations are properly evaluated for IP protection.

Collaborate with leadership to align IP strategy including patents, trademarks, branding and supportive marketing strategies with overall business and product strategy

Contract & Agreement Management

Review and manage Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), licensing agreements, and other contracts related to intellectual property and product development.

Ensure proper protections are in place when working with vendors, partners, contractors, and third parties.

Identify IP risks within contracts and provide recommendations to leadership.

Maintain documentation and records of all IP-related agreements and protections.

Product Integration & Collaboration

Serve as the liaison between product teams, engineering, legal, and leadership regarding intellectual property matters.

Maintain a deep understanding of the company’s products, technologies, and development processes.

Ensure IP considerations are embedded early in the product development lifecycle.

Support innovation initiatives while ensuring proper protection of company assets.

Process Development & Compliance

Build and implement internal processes for identifying, tracking, and protecting intellectual property.

Educate internal teams on IP awareness, confidentiality obligations, and best practices.

Ensure compliance with company policies and external legal requirements related to IP protection.

Risk Management

Identify potential IP risks, conflicts, or infringements and escalate appropriately.

Work with external legal counsel when necessary on patent filings, disputes, or enforcement.

In addition to NPD, Innovation, & IP this role will also be responsible for product compliance & liability matters. Taking ownership of this process to align internal stakeholders and liaison external legal & insurance partners.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Law, or related field required. Advanced degree or legal background preferred.

5+ years of experience working with intellectual property, product development, contracts, or legal/compliance functions.

Strong understanding of intellectual property concepts including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and licensing.

Experience reviewing contracts and NDAs related to product development or technology.

Ability to translate complex product or technical information into IP protection strategies.

Strong analytical, organizational, and documentation skills.

Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working closely with engineering, manufacturing, or product teams.

Familiarity with patent filing processes and working with external IP counsel.

Experience building internal IP management processes or programs.