The IP - Patent Counsel manages patent portfolios, drafts applications, oversees prosecution, collaborates with teams, and supports litigation, M&A, and licensing efforts.
At UEI you will be part of a world class team that is working to innovate and revolutionize the meaning of ‘wireless control’. Whether it’s via chips, software licenses or turnkey products, we are continuing to reinvent how consumers interact with devices and services in their home.
Each day we make the connected home smarter, easier to connect and use, and more sustainable. We delight our Fortune 100 customers such as Comcast, Apple, Samsung, Google, Vivint and Daikin with ground breaking wireless technology solutions such as advanced, voice-enabled remote controls, cloud control solutions, extreme low power Bluetooth silicon with energy harvesting capabilities, smart thermostats and sensors and many other IoT solutions.
Position Summary
The IP - Patent Counsel manages a global, sophisticated patent portfolio and is responsible for patent drafting, prosecution, and strategic IP work. This role collaborates closely with inventors, engineering, R&D, outside counsel, and business leaders to ensure intellectual property management aligns with product strategy and long-term business objectives. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong strategic judgment and is comfortable operating autonomously while serving as a trusted advisor within a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The duties listed below are intended only as examples of the various types of work that you may be asked to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. You may be asked to perform other duties as assigned from time to time.
•Manage day-to-day prosecution of U.S. and international patent applications
•Draft high-quality patent applications and responses to Office Actions with minimal supervision
•Develop filing strategies aligned with business priorities, product roadmaps, and competitive positioning
•Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and competitive landscape analyses inquiries
•Collaborate with product, engineering and business teams on risk assessment and IP strategy
•Participate in invention disclosure reviews, and manage an internal “Patent Committee” to make filing decisions
•Maintain accurate docketing, reporting, and portfolio metrics
•Support IP litigation matters as needed, including proficiency in drafting initial claim charts against target products
•Support IP due diligence for M&A, partnerships, and licensing initiatives
•Oversee outside counsel and foreign associates
•Managing legal budgets including experience working with finance and accounting teams on budgeting, accrual, and forecast functions
Supervisory Responsibilities – List Teams/Groups
•N/A
Qualifications -- Education, Licenses & Certifications
•Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
•Juris Doctorate degree
•Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical discipline (e.g., engineering, computer science, physics, or related field)
Qualifications - Knowledge & Experience
•5+ years of patent prosecution experience, with working knowledge of USPTO, and PCT/EP processes and procedures
•Proven ability to manage patent matters independently and exercise sound judgment
•Experience coordinating international patent filings and prosecution
•Experience supporting product-driven or R&D-intensive organizations
•Familiarity with IP issues related to commercialization, licensing, or litigation support
•Business-oriented mindset with strong strategic thinking and attention to detail
•Strong time management, organizational, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
•Ability to balance legal risk, cost, and business value
•Excellent organizational and prioritization skills
•Collaborative, practical, and solution-focused approach
•Flexible and adaptable to a changing environment
•Ability to multi-task and self-manage deadlines with a strong sense of accountability to manage workload
•Experience managing legal budgets in a corporate environment
Work Conditions
•4 days in office, optional Flex Fridays
•Physically able to participate in training sessions, presentations, and meetings.
•Sitting for extended periods of time; Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, etc.
Universal Electronics Inc. (NASDAQ: UEIC) is the worldwide leader in universal control and sensing technologies for the smart home. Its broad portfolio of patents includes QuickSet® software that utilizes the world’s most complete knowledge graph to detect and interact with thousands of entertainment and smart home devices. The company designs, develops, and manufactures innovative products that are used by the world’s leading brands in the audio, video, subscription broadcasting, connected home, home energy management, and mobile device markets. UEI’s many first-to-market innovations have helped transform the home entertainment control, home security, and home energy management and sensing industries.
Universal Electronics Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We are proud of our diverse workforce and we believe having diverse teams that everyone brings their whole self to work everyday is key to all of our success. We welcome all people of different experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and abilities.
Top Skills
Intellectual Property Management
Legal Budgeting
Patent Law
Universal Electronics Santa Ana, California, USA Office
201 E. Sandpointe Ave, 8th Floor, Santa Ana, CA, United States, 92707
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