The Patent Team at Microsoft helps the business navigate the worldwide patent ecosystem to enable the business to drive its strategies globally and freely innovate across all of Microsoft’s products and services. In addition to building a world class patent portfolio that covers some of the world’s most innovative software and hardware, we are the trusted advisor for the business in navigating the highly complex patent landscape.

As Corporate Counsel, you will have a critical role in developing and shaping the patent strategy underpinning our world-class patent portfolio, advancing business-minded IP strategies, and resolving patent disputes. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of law and technology.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary Patent Counsel for an Experiences and Devices (E+D) MS 365 Core & Fast business unit that is committed to building high-quality experiences powered by cutting-edge AI technologies.
E+D MS 365 & Fast focuses on enhancing user experiences and creating new experiences through innovative solutions like Copilot, optimizing core storage latency, and developing robust monitoring systems. As Patent Counsel, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding our innovative technologies. You will collaborate closely with our scientists and engineers to harvest inventions and set strategies to best protect key Microsoft innovations.
Devise and lead strategies that utilize IP to ensure Microsoft’s freedom to innovate and operate, through licensing and joint development.
Engage with and advise senior leaders on creative IP strategies designed to protect Microsoft innovations, enable new business opportunities, and address potential IP challenges.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctor Degree or international equivalent degree AND 1+ year(s) experience as a practicing attorney
- OR equivalent experience.
Active license to practice law in a jurisdiction and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction.
Experience in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or relevant equivalent experience
Experience as a practicing attorney at a law firm or relevant in-house experience in patent law

Additional or Preferred Qualifications (PQs)

Patent analysis skills both in terms of patent generation (patentability and claiming strategies) as well as patent evaluation (assessing infringement and validity positions).
Experience in both preparation and prosecution of patents as well as patent litigation, licensing, and counseling.

Legal Counsel IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $103,800 - $200,300 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $133,700 - $219,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until November 1, 2024.

#CELA

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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Corporate Counsel