Director, Assistant General Counsel - Intellectual Property

Job Description:

Building trusted markets — powered by our people 

At Cboe Global Markets, we inspire our people to solve complex challenges together because what we do matters. We provide the financial infrastructure that powers the global economy. As a leading provider of market infrastructure and tradable products, Cboe delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to market participants around the world. 

We’re building meaningful ways to support professional and personal development while strengthening the trust we’ve earned as a global market leader. Our teams are empowered to share ideas, actively pursue them and bring on a challenge. As champions of internal mobility and access to opportunity, we encourage our people to “go for it” and equip our managers with the training to coach their teams to the next level. We strive to provide employees a safe space to network, share ideas and create opportunities.  

To support strong partnership and team connection, this role follows a four day in office work model.

Location Overview

Cboe HQ is located in the historic Old Post Office district, it’s a landmark that blends classic architecture with modern amenities. The building features expansive spaces with high ceilings and large windows, offering an abundance of natural light and panoramic views of the city skyline and the Chicago River.

With its prime location in the heart of downtown, the OPO Building provides easy access to major transportation hubs, including Union Station and multiple CTA lines, making it convenient for commuters. The building is home to a variety of amenities, including restaurants, a fitness center, and collaborative workspaces, creating a vibrant and dynamic work environment in one of Chicago's most iconic areas.

Cboe is seeking a Director, Assistant General Counsel – Intellectual Property to provide legal support globally to all levels of the organization regarding intellectual property. This position will also provide legal support with respect to emerging risks, as well as other regulatory frameworks applicable to global exchange operators. In fulfilling these duties, this position will also collaborate with and manage outside counsel and other experts as necessary. Further, depending on the division’s needs and the individual’s interests, the position may also provide the opportunity to gain experience in other legal areas relating to Cboe’s diverse businesses. As an operator of exchanges and other trading venues, Cboe operates in a highly regulated environment and compliance by Cboe with its legal and regulatory obligations is paramount in the conduct of its business. This position is in Chicago, Illinois.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform a combination of the following functions. Particular day-to-day functions may vary among certain of the following functions depending upon priorities at that time.

• Protect, manage, and leverage Cboe intellectual property (IP) with patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other means through the development and execution of comprehensive IP strategies aligned with Cboe business objectives, priorities, and risk tolerance while supporting innovation in a highly regulated environment, by among other things:
  • Managing IP legal work within the Legal Division.
  • Preparing and prosecuting patent applications and related filings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Preparing and prosecuting trademark applications and related filings before the USPTO.
  • Assessing patent/trademark registrability and freedom to operate.
  • Managing external counsel on IP matters, including U.S. and foreign prosecution and IP litigation and disputes.
  • Reviewing IP contract provisions.
  • Conducting IP due diligence.
  • Developing and implementing IP-related policies and processes.
  • Providing IP counsel to senior management and key stakeholders.
  • Providing education to stakeholders regarding IP.
  • Stay current on IP developments.

• Partner across the organization to support the IP program and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders involved in IP-related matters.
• Support Cboe’s IP initiatives, including protection of inventions, marketing review, competitive landscape analysis, and response to fraudulent or impermissible use of Cboe IP.
• Assist with management of outside counsel and collaborate with Cboe stakeholders on IP protection and portfolio management (e.g., invention harvesting, prosecution and maintenance, portfolio optimization, risk assessment, and regulatory reporting).
• Advise on IP issues related to financial technology, software, AI/ML, data analytics, cloud computing, cy