Head of Intellectual Property

USG is an industry-leading manufacturer of building products and innovative solutions. For over 120 years, Chicago-based USG has developed award-winning wall, ceiling, flooring, sheathing, and roofing products that enable customers to build outstanding spaces where people live, work, and play. With over 8,700 employees across North America and operations around the world, we are steadfastly committed to our core values : safety, innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, and efficiency.

We’re big enough that our professionals have the resources to make a difference, yet small enough that you’re not just a number. You’ll work on key initiatives and build strong relationships across the company that will position USG for growth into the future.

USG offers work-life balance, specialist and general / managerial career paths, promotion from within, exceptional benefits, and incredible long-term career opportunities for the right professional. Each year, we have hundreds of employees who celebrate milestone anniversaries with us.

Position Summary

The Head of Intellectual Property (“IP”) will oversee the management and operations of the Company's worldwide intellectual property portfolio and the IP portfolio of its affiliate, Knauf Insulation (North America). This includes continuing to develop those portfolios to advance the business goals of USG and the Knauf Group, executing licensing strategies, ensuring the protection of the company's IP assets, and ensuring the cost-efficient operation of the IP department. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in IP law, IP portfolio management with a strong ability to align IP strategy with business objectives. The candidate will also supervise the IP department which includes IP staff based in Chicago and USG’s Corporate Innovation Center (“CIC”) located in Libertyville, Illinois.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio and Operations Management

• Oversee the comprehensive management of the Company's and its affiliate’s IP portfolios, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Conduct regular reviews of the IP portfolios to identify and evaluate the value and relevance of IP assets.
• Develop and implement strategies for maintaining, expanding, and optimizing the IP portfolios.
• Collaborate with the researchers at the CIC, manufacturing plants, product development, and business unit leads to identify and protect new IP assets.
• Continuously improve the best practices used in the department’s IP operations to enhance the cost effectiveness of the Company’s worldwide IP portfolio and manage IP outside counsel and vendors.

Strategic Planning

Leadership and Development

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education and Related Experience

Qualifications and Skills

Preferred :

Rate of pay may be adjusted based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

USG employees enjoy a number of benefit options for themselves and their families. These include two medical insurance options, as well as vision and dental coverage. The cost of these optional programs varies based on coverage level - employees generally pay 25% of the monthly premium cost, USG pays the rest. These coverage options are offered on the first day of employment with no waiting period.

Additionally, USG employees enjoy both a 401(k) Investment Plan with company match and a pension plan. Beyond these main features, employees may also choose from a number of additional programs like life insurance, accident insurance, legal insurance, even pet insurance, just to name a few. USG also offers Quarterly (hourly) / Annual (salary) bonus potential for all employees based on performance metrics tied to safety, quality, and productivity.USG also provides employees with paid time off and paid holidays.

Since 1902, Chicago-based USG has been a leader in producing innovative, award-winning products and systems to build everything from major commercial developments and residential housing to home improvements. USG's employees are committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and quality in everything we do. Our steadfast commitment to the company's core business values – innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, efficiency and safety – have helped us become the company we are today.

EOE including disability / veteran

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