We are searching for an IP focused counsel that will provide strategic legal and business guidance across intellectual property, innovation, commercialization, and technology development initiatives.
The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, research and development teams, and business stakeholders, helping to maximize the value of the organization's intellectual property assets while supporting innovation and long-term growth objectives.
This is an opportunity to join an organization with a sophisticated innovation ecosystem, a strong commitment to technology advancement, and a growing intellectual property portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute intellectual property strategies aligned with business and innovation objectives.
- Provide strategic advice regarding patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and related intellectual property matters.
- Manage and optimize domestic and international patent and trademark portfolios.
- Partner with inventors, researchers, engineers, and business leaders to identify, evaluate, and protect new innovations.
- Lead invention harvesting and disclosure processes.
- Support technology commercialization, licensing, collaboration, and partnership initiatives.
- Manage intellectual property risks and advise on freedom-to-operate considerations.
- Coordinate and oversee relationships with external patent agents, law firms, and intellectual property service providers worldwide.
- Advise on intellectual property aspects of strategic transactions, partnerships, and business initiatives.
- Support dispute resolution, enforcement, opposition, and litigation strategies when required.
- Monitor developments in intellectual property law, emerging technologies, and competitive activity.
- Develop and deliver intellectual property education and awareness programs across the organization.
Ideal Background
- Experience in in-house intellectual property law.
- Experience across technology companies.
- Licensed lawyer in the state of Ontario.
- Significant experience in intellectual property law, patent strategy, portfolio management, or technology commercialization.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex patent portfolios and/or innovation programs.
- Experience supporting technology development, research activities, product initiatives, or commercialization efforts.
- Strong understanding of patent prosecution, patent strategy, licensing, and intellectual property risk management.
- Experience working directly with technical teams, inventors, researchers, or product development groups.
- Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Preferred Experience
- Experience supporting software, telecommunications, AI, life sciences, medical device, advanced engineering, clean technology, or other innovation-intensive sectors.
- International intellectual property portfolio management experience.
- Technology licensing and commercialization experience.
- Experience leading intellectual property strategy within a multinational environment.
Personal Attributes
- Strategic and commercially minded.
- Strong business judgment.
- Influential relationship builder.
- Collaborative leadership style.
- Analytical and solution-oriented.
- Comfortable operating in complex and evolving environments.
- Able to balance legal risk with business objectives.
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Legal Counsel in Toronto employer: Smart4 Energy
Smart4 Energy is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Mississauga, ON, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from hands-on experience in cutting-edge solar technology, ample opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive environment that values teamwork and customer engagement. Join us to be part of a mission-driven company dedicated to sustainable energy solutions while enjoying a fulfilling career path.
