Legal Counsel - Patent/IP

At Polaris Inc., we have fun doing what we love by driving change and innovation. We empower employees to take on challenging assignments and roles with an elevated level of responsibility in our agile working environment. Our people make us who we are, and we create incredible products and experiences that empower us to THINK OUTSIDE.

Polaris is seeking an Patent/Intellectual Property Attorney to join our Legal Intellectual Property Group working on a wide range of intellectual property issues with a primary focus on the development of a patent portfolio for innovations originating from Polaris development activities. The role includes management of a patent portfolio relating to mechanical, electrical and software engineering, with specific technology in: general vehicle technology, electromobility, mobile applications, connected vehicles, autonomous vehicle technology, and related future vehicle technology. The successful candidate must be a team player with a demonstrated history of working collaboratively and effectively with an experienced group of lawyers and IP professionals. The successful candidate also will be expected to independently manage an active caseload, strategically direct outside counsel and consultants, and skillfully advise internal business colleagues. The Patent/IP Attorney will work closely with diverse and talented group of engineers and other IP and legal professionals to: identify, strategically file, and guide prosecution of patentable inventions, search and analyze competitive patents in key technology areas, provide technical analysis and freedom to operate opinions, aid in company-wide patent education initiatives, assist in patent enforcement and litigation, and help guide the development of new products. The ideal candidate also will possess strong leadership and managerial courage, emotional intelligence and maturity, an appropriate sense of urgency, and excellent business partnership and relationship-building skills. A passion for the outdoors and an aptitude or interest in mechanical/engineering problem-solving is also highly desired.

• Maintain a strong knowledge of specific Polaris product lines, technologies, and industry technology applicable to project assignments
• Integrate with assigned product and project teams
• Monitor and assess competitive patents relevant to Polaris products
• Counsel engineers and other technical personnel regarding patentability, patent procedure, portfolio strategy and related issues and conduct training
• Facilitate patent clearance reviews within project teams and identify patents that need further study or formal opinions
• Lead product patent mining sessions and prepare materials for outside counsel to be used in patent applications
• Significantly contribute to the development, improvement, and implementation of strategy and procedures for patent management
• Solicit, review, and approve invention disclosures
• Confidently communicate to the project team patent updates throughout the development process
• Liaison between Engineering and Legal regarding litigation matters, and special development projects as required
• Independently and effectively manage and oversee outside counsel in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in the U.S. and abroad while working within a budget
• Knowledge and interest in non-patent IP and in IP-related issues associated with commercial agreements and licensing arrangements

Education / Experience

• Bachelors degree required, strongly preferred in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science (unrelated degree acceptable with equivalent professional experience)
• JD from an accredited law school is required
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in at least one U.S. state is required; the ability to become licensed in Minnesota within one year of starting is also required
• Registered U.S. Patent Attorney
• 5-10 years of experience including at least one year as in-house patent or IP counsel is required.
• Experience in drafting patent applications and prosecuting such applications with the USPTO is strongly preferred
• Experience managing a medium to large size portfolio of patents and additional time sensitive projects in a fast-paced organization
• Proficient understanding of patent filing and prosecution inside and outside of the United States
• Confident team player with attorney and non-attorney legal professionals and business partners
• Managerial and leadership courage
• Emotional intelligence and maturity
• Assertive self-starter with excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and superior time-management skills
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical and strategic legal advice to senior business leaders

Preferred:

• Experience in patent prosecution specifically relating to electrical and telecommunications technologies deployed in vehicles
• Experience in patent prosecution specifically related to vehicles and vehicle related technical subject matter
• Experience in an industry which manufactures and/or sells a commercial product, preference for automotive or automotive adjacent industries
• Industry experience as an engineer, programmer or related role

• Very fast-paced, dynamic culture.
• Hybrid / Corporate office environment
• Travel as needed (approximately 10-15%)

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This position is not eligible for sponsorship

We are an ambitious, resourceful, and driven workforce, which empowers us to THINK OUTSIDE. Apply today!

At Polaris we put our employees first, by offering a holistic approach to their health and financial wellbeing. Polaris is proud to offer competitive compensation, including a market-leading profit-sharing plan that is fundamental to our pay-for-performance culture. At Polaris, employees are owners of the company through company contributions to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases plan. Employees receive a generous matching contribution to 401(k), financial wellness education and consultation to plan for their financial future. In addition to competitive pay, Polaris provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid time off, gym & personal training reimbursement, life insurance and disability offerings. Through the Polaris Foundation and our Polaris Gives paid volunteer time off, we support employees who actively volunteer their time, efforts, and passions to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they live, play and work. Employees at Polaris drive our success and are rewarded for their commitment.

About Polaris

As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris' high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and Polaris GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com

EEO Statement

Polaris is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.