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Why join Stryker?

We are proud to be named one of the World’s Best Workplaces and a Best Workplace for Diversity by Fortune Magazine! Learn more about our award-winning organization by visiting stryker.com

Our benefits include bonuses; commissions; healthcare; insurance benefits; retirement programs; stock based plans; paid time off plans; family and parenting leaves; tuition reimbursement; wellness programs; onsite fitness centers and cafeterias; discount purchase programs; and service and performance awards – not to mention various social and recreational activities.

This role is to lead intellectual property ("IP") support for Stryker's Orthopaedics and Spine Group which includes the Joint Replacement, Trauma and Extremities, Spine, and Digital Robotics and Enabling Technologies divisions.  This position is responsible for managing teams of IP counsel, IP managers, and/or other team members to develop and implement IP strategy across the group. This role is also responsible for advising internal clients and managing outside counsel on a wide range of issues involving patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyrights, for matters including agreements, freedom to operate, M&A, and IP risk mitigation. This attorney will work closely with IP managers, IP litigation counsel, divisional counsel, R&D, business development, and commercial business leadership.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Manage teams of IP personnel to effectively align IP strategy with business goals.
• Supervise and/or participate in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and/or advising on complex IP agreements, including licenses and IP provisions in other agreements.
• Support operations in various Stryker locations
• Supervise and/or conduct legal analysis and provide counsel on issues related to IP.
• Overseeing management of patent prosecution and portfolios across multiple divisions
• Manage processes for patentability and freedom to operate issues.
• Manage and advise on trademark clearance and usage.
• Oversee management of administrative challenges to patent and trademark rights (interferences, re-examinations, post grant reviews, inter-partes reviews, oppositions, and cancellations).
• Work closely with IP Legal team and divisional management on IP litigation and legal claims.
• Lead or support IP due diligence on business acquisitions.
• Counsel on general legal IP questions.
• Conduct IP training.
• Other duties as assigned by Chief Intellectual Property Counsel

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, in-house or medical device preferred
• Strong experience with patent and trademark prosecution and IP strategy.
• Demonstrates excellent judgement, professional demeanor, business acumen and executive presence
• Demonstrates ability to collaborate with and lead project efforts with colleagues in a global organization
• Initiates, embraces and drives change in a dynamic environment
• Inspires, educates, and empowers others
• Reacts positively to changing needs and demands
• Works well independently and in a team
• Possesses excellent analytical and drafting skills
• Experience providing timely legal advice in a highly regulated environment preferred
• Demonstrates and drives a commitment to integrity and accountability
• Possesses excellent organizational skills and can manage numerous projects and conflicting demands in a fast-paced environment
• Possesses excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate at all levels, including senior executive level, of corporate organization
• Maintains highly sensitive and confidential information
• Demonstrates proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite

Education and Special Trainings:

• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering or equivalent
• Juris Doctor degree and member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
• Excellent academic credentials

Know someone at Stryker?

Be sure to have them submit you as a referral prior to applying for this position. Learn more about our employee referral program at https://careers.stryker.com/referrals/

About Stryker

Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and, together with our customers, is driven to make healthcare better. We offer innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes.

We are proud to be named one of the World’s Best Workplaces and a Best Workplace for Diversity by Fortune Magazine! Learn more about our award-winning organization by visiting stryker.com