Director, Intellectual Property Law

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world. 

What We Offer

Salary:

$206,000.00 - $283,500.00

Location:

Santa Clara,CA

You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more. 

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits. 

Introduction

Applied Materials, Inc. is at the forefront of innovation, leading the world in materials engineering solutions that power the world’s utting-edge chips and advanced displays. Imagine being part of a company where your work transforms possibilities into groundbreaking realities, enabling faster processing speeds, expanded memory capacity, and unparalleled energy efficiency. At Applied, we believe that our technologies are shaping a brighter, more connected future.

Join our dynamic Legal and Compliance Organization (LCO), where challenges are met with collaboration and creativity. Reporting to LCO’s IP Legal Group, you will play a pivotal role in supporting product groups, engaging with business and technology leaders, and advising executive teams on crucial IP matters including patents and IP transactions. We are seeking a passionate team player who is eager to offer strategic counsel on diverse IP issues. At Applied, your contributions will drive innovation and safeguard the technologies that build tomorrow.

Key Responsibilities

• Counsel management and technologists on patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and select IP transactions (e.g., NDA, JDA, SRA)
• Analyze IP landscapes, assess risks, and develop IP sustainability strategies
• Manage a global patent & trademark portfolio and oversee associated drafting, prosecution, and budget
• Collaborate with litigation colleagues on IP procurement and enforcement strategies
• Develop programs to protect IP and achieve business goals, including training management and engineering teams
• Lead process and policy improvements to mitigate risks and enhance effectiveness

Basic Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from accredited law school
• Bar Admissions: U.S. (CA or other state) and USPTO Registration Numbers
• B.S. in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry or Materials Science

• 7+ years of legal experience in law firm and/or in-house legal departments with a focus in the following areas:
  • Patent portfolio development and management in the US and foreign jurisdictions, particularly Asia
  • Drafting and negotiation of agreements involving IP provisions, including licensing, collaboration, research and similar agreements
  • Knowledge of IP law in Asian countries, including China, Korea and Taiwan
  • Experience related to IP enforcement and litigation, including claim construction, patent invalidity, and infringement analysis preferred
  • Familiar with global patent operations (e.g., patent administrations, billings, docketing practices, etc.) also preferred

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong intellectual capacity and high personal standards of excellence
• Strong business and technology acumen; capacity to understand the business and technology quickly
• Understand how to translate business needs into IP portfolio development & management
• Passionate, proactive, highly motivated self-starter
• Ability to work independently on a wide variety of tasks and drive results
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple competing tasks/projects at the same time
• Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail and ability to create