Director of Intellectual Property Jobs
Director of Intellectual Property jobs are open across technology, pharmaceuticals, entertainment, and manufacturing, from senior IP counsel to vice president level, with specializations in patent prosecution, trademark strategy, and IP litigation. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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The ideal candidate will have:
- A bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
- Eligibility to sit for the USPTO patent bar; current USPTO registration is preferred but not required.
- An interest in patent prosecution, patent analysis, freedom to operate analysis, and related intellectual property matters.
- Patent prosecution experience is a plus but not required. Candidates with a litigation background who are interested in transitioning to a patent prosecution and analysis-focused practice are encouraged to apply.
- Strong legal research and analytical skills, including experience with Westlaw or comparable legal research tools.
- Strong academic credentials and excellent written and oral communication skills.
- For practicing attorneys, admission to a state bar in the relevant jurisdiction, or the ability to promptly waive in, as applicable.
We are looking for a collaborative, motivated associate who thrives in a client-focused, team-oriented environment. If you are looking for an opportunity with a growing, collaborative firm, we encourage you to apply online and include a cover letter, resume, writing sample, academic transcript(s), and a law school transcript.
Faegre Drinker is committed to fostering flexibility while maintaining a collaborative and client-focused environment. Our in-office work policy asks all attorneys, consulting professionals and paraprofessionals to work from a Faegre Drinker office three days per week, striking a balance between in-person collaboration, relationship-building, and exceptional client service, while also supporting individual flexibility and work-life balance.
The anticipated initial annual salary range for someone who is hired into this position is $175,000 – $245,000.
Actual initial salary may be above or below the above-identified range and will be based on the relevant skills, training, experience, and other job-related factors, including the location of where the position is filled and consistent with applicable law. The initial salary range listed above is just one component of Faegre Drinker's total compensation and benefits package for attorneys, which includes, but is not limited to, productivity and discretionary bonuses; life, health, accident and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan.
In alignment with applicable Colorado state law, applications for this role will be accepted through May 1, 2027.
Please contact Emily Coveyou, Associate Recruiting Manager, at emily.coveyou@faegredrinker.com with any questions.
The ideal candidate will have:
- A bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
- Eligibility to sit for the USPTO patent bar; current USPTO registration is preferred but not required.
- An interest in patent prosecution, patent analysis, freedom to operate analysis, and related intellectual property matters.
- Patent prosecution experience is a plus but not required. Candidates with a litigation background who are interested in transitioning to a patent prosecution and analysis-focused practice are encouraged to apply.
- Strong legal research and analytical skills, including experience with Westlaw or comparable legal research tools.
- Strong academic credentials and excellent written and oral communication skills.
- For practicing attorneys, admission to a state bar in the relevant jurisdiction, or the ability to promptly waive in, as applicable.
We are looking for a collaborative, motivated associate who thrives in a client-focused, team-oriented environment. If you are looking for an opportunity with a growing, collaborative firm, we encourage you to apply online and include a cover letter, resume, writing sample, academic transcript(s), and a law school transcript.
Faegre Drinker is committed to fostering flexibility while maintaining a collaborative and client-focused environment. Our in-office work policy asks all attorneys, consulting professionals and paraprofessionals to work from a Faegre Drinker office three days per week, striking a balance between in-person collaboration, relationship-building, and exceptional client service, while also supporting individual flexibility and work-life balance.
The anticipated initial annual salary range for someone who is hired into this position is $175,000 – $245,000.
Actual initial salary may be above or below the above-identified range and will be based on the relevant skills, training, experience, and other job-related factors, including the location of where the position is filled and consistent with applicable law. The initial salary range listed above is just one component of Faegre Drinker's total compensation and benefits package for attorneys, which includes, but is not limited to, productivity and discretionary bonuses; life, health, accident and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan.
In alignment with applicable Colorado state law, applications for this role will be accepted through May 1, 2027.
Please contact Emily Coveyou, Associate Recruiting Manager, at emily.coveyou@faegredrinker.com with any questions.
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Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Science & Research
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Construction & Real Estate
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in director of intellectual property jobs.
- Juris Doctor degree with active bar admission, preferably in a technology or science-related discipline
- 10 or more years of IP law experience with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role
- Direct experience managing patent prosecution, trademark portfolios, or IP licensing programs
- Ability to advise executive leadership and cross-functional teams on IP strategy and risk
- USPTO registration as a patent attorney or patent agent for roles with heavy prosecution responsibilities
- Experience with IP litigation management, inter partes review proceedings, or enforcement actions
Tips for Your Director of Intellectual Property Job Search
Tailor your resume to portfolio size
Hiring managers for director of intellectual property roles want to see the scope of the portfolios you've managed, the jurisdictions you've covered, and whether you've built or inherited the function. Lead with those specifics, not just titles and dates.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists director of intellectual property openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that match your prosecution focus
IP director roles in pharma lean heavily on patent prosecution and FDA-related filings, while tech companies prioritize defensive patent strategy and licensing. Filter your search by industry first so your application speaks directly to what that employer needs.
Demonstrate cross-functional leadership experience
Many director of intellectual property postings ask for experience advising product, engineering, and business development teams. Your resume and cover letter should name the functions you've collaborated with and the decisions your IP guidance actually shaped.
Prepare a prosecution and litigation snapshot for interviews
Interviewers at the director level typically ask how you've handled contested patents, inter partes reviews, or trademark disputes. Have two or three examples ready that show how you balanced legal risk against business objectives without disclosing privileged details.
Negotiate scope alongside compensation
Before accepting an offer, clarify whether the role owns outside counsel relationships, budget authority, and headcount decisions. Directors who inherit undefined scope often face the same constraints as senior managers, so getting clarity upfront protects the seniority you're stepping into.
Director of Intellectual Property Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most director of intellectual propertys?
The most active employers for director of intellectual propertys right now are Formlabs, Clarivate, and Amazon, and the most openings are in Texas, Massachusetts, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Industries with the most consistent demand include pharmaceuticals, semiconductor companies, and large consumer technology firms.
How many director of intellectual property jobs are remote?
About 71% of director of intellectual property openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the document-driven and counsel-focused nature of much IP work. Roles centered on licensing negotiations, portfolio strategy, and outside counsel management are the most likely to offer remote flexibility, while positions requiring frequent in-person collaboration with engineering or product teams tend to be on-site or hybrid.
How do you become a director of intellectual property?
Most directors of intellectual property start by earning a Juris Doctor and passing the bar, then joining a law firm or in-house team focused on patent, trademark, or IP licensing work. From there, the path typically moves through senior IP counsel or IP manager roles where you take on portfolio oversight and cross-functional advising responsibilities. Building expertise in a specific technology area, such as biotech, software, or consumer electronics, accelerates progression into the director level.
Can you get a director of intellectual property job with limited experience?
Moving directly into a director of intellectual property role with limited experience is uncommon because employers expect candidates to bring demonstrated portfolio management and leadership. A realistic path is to target senior IP counsel or IP manager roles first, build a record of managing outside counsel relationships and advising business teams, then position yourself for a director-level search once you've led a function through a significant prosecution cycle or litigation matter.
What does the director of intellectual property interview process look like?
The interview process for a director of intellectual property role typically includes an initial screening with HR or a talent partner, followed by a substantive interview with the general counsel or chief legal officer. Candidates then usually meet with cross-functional partners in product, engineering, or business development, since directors are expected to advise those teams. Final rounds often include a case study or portfolio presentation where you walk through how you've approached a prosecution strategy, licensing negotiation, or enforcement decision.
Where can I find and apply to director of intellectual property jobs?
You can find and apply to director of intellectual property jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your industry background and IP specialization, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 85 Director of Intellectual Property Jobs
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