Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property

Natcast (short for The National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology) is a new, purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium, established by the CHIPS Act of the U.S. government.

Working at Natcast represents an opportunity to help extend America’s leadership in semiconductor technology, significantly reduce the time and cost of moving from idea to commercialization, and build and sustain a semiconductor workforce development ecosystem.

These efforts to advance semiconductor technology and seed new industries built on the capabilities of a wide range of advanced chips hold the potential to benefit the country and the world for generations to come.

Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property

Remote to start, with the potential for headquarters and satellite offices in the future

In this role, you will serve as a leader in Natcast's legal function, with a particular focus on driving the development and execution of our intellectual property strategy.

You will collaborate with industry, academic, and government stakeholders to help foster, utilize and protect intellectual property breakthroughs that will shape the future of the semiconductor industry.

To thrive in this role, you must have deep expertise in intellectual property licensing and similar transactions, strong communication and collaboration skills, and the ability to provide practical, actionable advice in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Natcast is a new non-profit consortium created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) established by the CHIPS Act. We are bringing together industry, academia, and government to solve the most pressing challenges facing semiconductor research, development, and workforce training. Our efforts will re-establish American leadership in semiconductor technology and secure critical supply chains.

As Senior Counsel for Intellectual Property, you will play a critical role in standing up Natcast's legal operations, with a particular focus on intellectual property matters. With your deep expertise in intellectual property law, you will help establish and implement policies and systems for the ownership, use, management, confidentiality, security, and disposition of intellectual property generated through the NSTC programs that Natcast operates. You will also help that Natcast’s own intellectual property is appropriately protected, managed, and leveraged to support our mission.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead attorney for Natcast on intellectual property matters, supporting the development and execution of Natcast's intellectual property strategy and NSTC intellectual property policies and governance

• Work with stakeholders in the semiconductor industry, academia, government, and others on intellectual property policy and governance

• Ensure that Natcast's intellectual property is appropriately protected and, when appropriate, enforced, including through the development, implementation, and maintenance of systems to manage Natcast's intellectual property

• Draft, review, and negotiate Natcast research and development agreements, commercial and non-commercial licensing agreements, technology transfers, and other agreements involving intellectual property rights

• Work with outside counsel to file and prosecute patent applications

• Engage with Natcast personnel and researchers to identify and counsel Natcast on IP exploitation opportunities

• Provide training to Natcast personnel and stakeholders on intellectual property matters

• Manage outside legal resources on intellectual property matters

• Support the development and growth of the Natcast legal function, assisting in budgeting and management, handling special projects, and tackling any matters that need handling

Near-term Deliverables

• Help develop and implement an intellectual property policy framework for intellectual property arising from NSTC programs that Natcast manages

• Set up appropriate and up-to-date template contracts, contract provisions, and contract playbooks that further Natcast's mission and comply with applicable intellectual property laws, regulations, and policies

Required Skills and Experience

• J.D. required, must be licensed and currently in good standing to practice law in one or more jurisdictions

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in intellectual property law, with significant experience in negotiating and drafting complex intellectual property licensing and similar intellectual property transactions

• Clear writer and tactful communicator

• Creativity, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently

• Ability to deliver practical advice that the client can act on

• Strong project management skills

• Collaborate with the team and bring a positive attitude to your work

• Effectively manage outside counsel

• Effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Bonus Points if you have:

• Experience with semiconductor R&D

• Start-up experience

• Experience with nonprofit-funded research and development projects

Key Traits for Success

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

• Strong analytical abilities

• Effective project management

• Passion for Natcast's mission and the role of intellectual property in advancing it

Natcast is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any protected attribute. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please let us know.

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