Assistant General Counsel IP

It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.

We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.

The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.

If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.

About Intuitive Surgical

Intuitive Surgical is a global leader in minimally invasive care and innovative surgical robotics. We advance the boundaries of medical care by continually fostering an environment rich in discovery, problem-solving, and growth. Our mission is to drive better, safer outcomes for patients, care teams, and hospitals, while cultivating a culture where professionals are empowered and inspired.

Role Summary

We are seeking an exceptional Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property, with deep expertise in patent portfolio management, IP-related transactions, and IP counseling.

This role offers the chance to work at the intersection of some of the most exciting technologies in robotics and medtech today: robotic assisted surgery, AI, computer vision, advanced instrumentation, imaging, and digital surgery. As an in-house IP attorney, you would partner directly with world-class engineers, scientists, physicians, and business leaders to help develop IP strategy for technologies that have the potential to improve patient outcomes and transform how surgery is performed around the world.

Intuitive is entering an exciting period of growth as we continue to expand our platforms, integrate AI and digital technologies, and push the boundaries of what is possible in minimally invasive care. If you enjoy working on breakthrough technology, working closely with innovators, and seeing your work directly influence the trajectory of a business and an industry, we invite you to apply to join our dynamic team.

Primary Function of Position

The Assistant General Counsel, IP will lead and manage an active patent portfolio, including management of patent application preparation, patent prosecution, and IP strategic development to identify and protect Intuitive’s valuable innovations.

The Assistant General Counsel, IP will support a wide variety of IP-related transactional matters, including NDAs and other agreements covering collaboration, product development, and suppliers.

The Assistant General Counsel, IP will support strategic deals and investments, such as M&A and licensing, including conducting IP-related due diligence, crafting and negotiating deal agreements, and advising on IP-related deal strategies.

The Assistant General Counsel, IP will provide additional comprehensive IP-related legal support, including: litigation support (as needed), trademark protection, and trade secret protection.

The Assistant General Counsel, IP l will engage directly with engineers, scientists, management, clinical specialists, and executives, to translate technology developments into strong IP protection and support key business objectives.

The Assistant General Counsel, IP should become informed on industry trends and provide advice about industry and regulatory developments as well as development and implementation of operational and risk management processes and procedures.

The Assistant General Counsel, IP will report to the Associate General Counsel, IP Strategy, and must escalate issues, as appropriate, and partner with all legal team members.

The Assistant General Counsel, IP must represent Intuitive Surgical with external parties with professionalism and strategic insight, including customers, regulators, affiliates, and industry trade groups

Job/Skill Requirements

Minimum of 10+ years experience in intellectual property law as a practitioner at a law firm and/or in-house legal department experience, with a substantial focus on patent prosecution.

At least 2+ years of in-house counsel experience strongly preferred, where responsibilities included patent portfolio management as well as IP-related transactions (with support of litigation and due diligence a plus).

Technical degree, professional background, and/or significant experience related to medical devices, robotics, mechanical engineering, or a related field (electrical engineering or other engineering specialties considered).

J.D. degree and membership in good standing with the California bar or eligible for immediate registration as a Registered In House Counsel “RHIC”.

Admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Ability to assess legal and business opportunities and risks related to IP assets in support of M&A, investment opportunities, licensing, and purchasing or selling of patent portfolios.

Exceptional communication and writing skills, able to distill complex technical and legal concepts for varied audiences.

Ability to closely manage outside counsel and control matter costs.

Willingness to travel on occasion as required.

Other Personal Characteristics:

Engaging, courageous, and self-directed, accustomed to managing with a collaborative, fact-based approach.

Collaborative, resourceful and adaptable—able to anticipate needs and navigate a rapidly changing environment.

Intellectually curious and eager to learn new areas of law and technology and apply knowledge effectively.

If you are ready to make an impact at the forefront of surgical technology innovation—and you have the drive to expand your expertise with a world-class team—we encourage you to apply.

**Please note this role requires being onsite 3 days per week in our Sunnyvale, CA office.

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19.  Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer:  In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees
who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).  

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s
start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes. 

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

Accommodation & Accessibility Notice:

Intuitive is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation during any part of the application or interview process, please contact People Services at [email protected].

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.