Associate General Counsel (Automotive IP & Patents)

Location: On-site in Atlanta, GA or Ann Arbor, MI, United States

Company

Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America develops automotive technologies including connected, safe, sustainable, and autonomous vehicle systems.

What you will do

• Lead and manage the North American IP and Patents team, including patent attorneys, patent engineers, paralegals, and administrative assistants.
• Oversee U.S. patent prosecution for globally developed Mercedes-Benz innovations and manage relationships with outside IP counsel.
• Assess patentability, infringement risks, third-party rights, and opportunities for IP licensing.
• Advise business units and legal departments on IP strategy, ownership, policy, legislation, and technology collaborations.
• Support IP litigation, Inter Partes Reviews, Standard Essential Patent matters, patent pools, and licensing activity.
• Participate in global IP leadership, risk, budgeting, staffing, and technology-policy decisions.

Requirements

• BS degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, or another science discipline.
• JD or equivalent law degree.
• 10–12 years of experience as an IP attorney in a law firm, in-house environment, or both.
• Experience with patent portfolio management.
• Licensed attorney in a U.S. state and registered to practice before the USPTO.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice to have

• IP experience in the automotive or software industry.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaboration and continuous learning across research and development offices.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid holidays, paid time off, sick time, and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance and wellness or fitness reimbursement programs.