Cargill is committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.
Our 155,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with life's essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With over 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing-today and for generations to come.
Job Purpose and Impact
The Intellectual Property Attorney job performs complex intellectual property activities and supports the protection, management and responsible use of the company's intellectual property assets, while helping mitigate risks associated with third party intellectual property. As a subject matter expert in this field, this job will be responsible for managing an IP portfolio with collaboration from senior attorneys to capture, protect, monetize, and enforce intellectual property for the company's businesses and enable informed business decisions.
Key Accountabilities
- PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT, PROSECUTION & INNOVATION: Supports preparation and prosecution of patent applications by coordinating with inventors and business teams, and contributes to portfolio management to ensure alignment with business strategy. Partners collaboratively with relevant teams to evaluate invention disclosures, manage intellectual property dockets, promote and support invention harvesting, and secure protection of new inventions.
- AGREEMENTS & TRANSACTION MANAGEMENT: Drafts and supports the negotiation of agreements, including research and development, licensing, and confidentiality agreements, as well as intellectual property clauses in commercial contracts. Assists with intellectual property components of merger, acquisitions, divestiture, and other strategic transactions.
- IP STRATEGY & COUNSELING: Support development and execution of IP strategies aligned with commercial objectives, business strategies, and long-term value creation, and counsel business teams and stakeholders on intellectual property opportunities, risks, and best practices.
- RISK CALIBRATION & ISSUE MANAGEMENT: Assesses and communicates intellectual property risks, including patentability, validity, and infringement, by reviewing technical and commercial inputs, recommending practical mitigation options, and escalating or advancing complex matters as appropriate.
- IP LITIGATION, DISPUTE RESOLUTION & MONETIZATION: Supports intellectual property litigation, dispute resolution, and monetization strategy and execution, including evaluating claims, coordinating fact development, and assisting senior counsel and outside counsel in enforcement and resolution matters.
- OUTSIDE COUNSEL MANAGEMENT: Coordinates with outside counsel on prosecution, searches, and other intellectual property topics by setting expectations, tracking progress, and supporting cost-effective, value-focused management.
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & KNOWLEDGE SHARING: Leads workstreams for intellectual property filings, agreement reviews, and training initiatives, helps create and deliver tools and training that build intellectual property awareness across teams, including invention disclosure processes, trade secret protection, and appropriate trademark use and supports capability growth by providing guidance to and sharing effective practices with patent scientists, paralegals, and team members.
- TECHNOLOGY & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Uses technology and generative artificial intelligence tools to improve analysis, work quality, and efficiency, and builds intellectual property expertise by tracking legal developments, enforcement trends, and technology changes.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in a technical or scientific field
- Juris doctor and licensed to practice law in current jurisdiction with an ability and willingness to be licensed in Minnesota
- Registration to practice in front of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- Minimum of six years of related work experience in Intellectual Property law
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience working in biochemistry, chemistry, or biology
- Master's degree, doctoral degree, or equivalent experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, biochemistry, food science, or a related field
- Proven fluency with AI tools in a legal environment
- Strong business acumen
- Experience in using IP data to influence business decision making, e.g., competitive intelligence, white space analysis, patent landscape
- Excellent communication, advocacy, and ability to win trust
- Ability to problem-solve using a creative, resilient, and service-based style and approach
- Ability to effectively handle conflict and apply judgment in counseling
- Confirmed ability to assess and handle risk
Compensation Data
The expected salary for this position is approximately $145,000 to $210,000. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, certifications, education, and level of experience. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. This position is eligible for a discretionary incentive award. The incentive award amount is dependent upon company performance and your personal.
Minnesota Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 48 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.
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