Job Description

About our group:

Seagate’s Legal Team is represented by a group of smart, diverse, dynamic, motivated and collaborative professionals situated in our offices around the globe. We are a cross-functional team with expertise in a variety of legal specialties to assist the business as it navigates the complex legal and operating environment worldwide.

About the role - you will:

The Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property and Data Governance will manage all legal matters related to intellectual property (IP) and data governance for Seagate and a team of IP attorneys, patent agents, paralegals and project managers who are responsible for day-to-day management and protection of Seagate’s IP and information assets.  The Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property and Data Governance will play a critical role in the development and implementation of the global IP strategy for Seagate, build effective relationships with relevant stakeholders at all levels of the global organization, and provide clear, strategic business-enabling IP and data governance advice.  This position reports to the Vice President, Legal and Chief Compliance Officer.

About the job responsibilities - you will:

Provide leadership of a team of in-house attorneys and other professionals who provide legal support for patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and data governance matters
Develop and implement an IP strategy aligned with Seagate’s business priorities to achieve optimal protection of Seagate’s business and innovations
Provide strategic counsel to the business regarding the competitive IP landscape for current and future product portfolio plans, and substantive issues of IP law, strategy, and enforcement
Support litigation relating to IP matters
Oversee the processes for preparing and prosecuting patent applications, handling patent portfolio analyses and third-party IP risk assessments
Serve as lead for data governance on matters relating to enterprise security risk management
Update and advise on IP and data governance policies, programs, and guidelines in keeping with best practices
Build and maintain relationships with key outside counsel worldwide while managing external legal costs
Oversee the open-source compliance program
Work cross-functionally within Seagate to influence and create actionable initiatives and reduce legal risk

About you:

Ability to think strategically and provide guidance on complex intellectual property and data governance topics
Excellent communication, conflict resolution and negotiation skills
Ability to effectively collaborate with all levels of management, including senior leadership, to drive business results
Hands-on management and leadership style, with a track record of developing a team
Ability to set priorities and execute projects in a timely manner

Your experience includes:

15+ years’ experience in intellectual property law gained from law firm and in-house positions
Proven ability to lead, manage and motivate a team of IP professionals
Demonstrated ability to manage outside counsel and work efficiently and effectively with limited resources
Working at a global manufacturing organization
In good standing with the bar in states where licensed to practice law
USPTO registration
Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school