Leader, Patent Agent/Attorney

About Us

Every person on the planet dreams of a better home. And at LIXIL, we’re committed to making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.

We make it happen with pioneering water and housing technology solutions. Home to world leading brands like INAX, American Standard, GROHE, TOSTEM and many more, we touch the lives of more than a billion people each day, transforming houses into homes.

Our planet is the home we all share. So how we do business matters. Our inclusive and empowering culture, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to having a positive impact on the planet are integral to our business strategy.

LIXIL today is on a journey of transformation. The world around us is changing. Technological advances. Evolving needs. New demographics.

Shifting expectations. These changes serve as opportunities for solutions to be discovered, and to unlock progress for all.

We invite you to make this journey with us. It is as challenging as it is inspiring. Together we can shape the future of living.

We’re a home for growth, for imagination, for creativity. A home for your talent and ambition.

A home for everyone.

Overview

Part of the Legal team, you are the driving force behind ensuring that the organization continues to do the right thing.

With a strong expertise in law and ethics, you are responsible for researching and guarding the business against legal risks and maintaining a culture of compliance.

Your team will develop company policies and represent the company in potential legal proceedings. Your will provide legal advice and ensuring the legality of commercial transactions for the organization.

Responsibilities

The Sr. Patent Agent / Attorney position exists to reduce external outside counsel spending and assist the AGC of IP with management of the Company’s Patent portfolio and to help drive innovation from Engineering and Industrial Design.

Responsibilities :

Review invention disclosures

Draft new priority patent applications

Prosecute patent applications before the US Patent and Trademark Office, as well as instructing Foreign Associates regarding filing and prosecution of corresponding foreign applications

Overseeing internal team process for seeking execution and filing of formal documents including declarations and assignments globally

Outside Counsel Management : including instructing, reviewing, overseeing and approving outside counsel’s work on various global patent matters.

Docket and Filing Systems Management : overseeing and establishing the company’s docketing practices and electronic filing room systems filing practices, and overseeing Docketing Specialist activities regarding patent systems

Patent / Technology Analysis and Landscaping : including conducting prior art searches and landscape researches and opinions to guide R&D development

Patent Portfolio and Patent Strategy Management : including conducting patent portfolio reviews with Design, engineering and business team, developing global patent strategies based on business roadmap and R&D development

Managing Patent Prosecution Budget : including developing efficient means to provide the most value and protection with limited budget, tracking spending throughout the year

Harvest inventions : including understanding R&D activities, scheduling and running technical discussions with engineers, and assisting in documenting all IP discovered.

Client Counseling : provide guidance to R&D and business on various patent matters globally, provide training on patent process and strategy

Patent Annuity Management : including determine the value and activity associated with various patents, seeking input from business and instructing annuity firm accordingly

Global Patent Coordination : including various meetings throughout the year, developing patent strategy for cross-regional inventions with Global counterparts and seeking global patent protection

Evaluate current processes and implement new cost and time efficient processes within the IP team

Qualifications

• Hybrid arrangement : 3 days onsite for the first several months, then 1-2 days onsite as needed.
• A bachelor’s degree (and preferably an advanced degree) in engineering (preferably mechanical engineering) or related discipline with excellent academic credentials
• Registered patent agent / attorney with the USPTO
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience
• Demonstrated experience in examining or preparing and prosecuting patent applications (utility and preferably design)
• Excellent writing and research abilities are a must, as well as proficiency in written and verbal communication, and strong organizational skills
• Self-driven and able to work independently

Hiring Range

The Hiring Salary Range for this position is $79,000.00-$134,000.00

annually.

Salary offer to be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.)

Other Compensation (if applicable) : This role will be eligible to participate in the annual Short Term Incentive plan of 10 percent of base salary.

EEO Statement

AS, AMERICA INC. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, marital status, age, veteran status, domestic partner status, medical condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

Only at LIXIL’s request preferred vendors may be invited to refer talent for specific open positions. In such cases, a current and fully executed agreement with LIXIL must be in place.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies : AS, AMERICA INC does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates.

The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to AS, AMERICA INC. or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by AS, AMERICA INC.

internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of AS, AMERICA INC.

and will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.