Associate IP Counsel, Patents

As an Associate IP Counsel, Patents at Axon, you'll be responsible for drafting and prosecuting patent applications, conducting prior art searches, and collaborating with engineers on patentability assessments. Additionally, you will address office actions and offer ongoing legal opinions, playing a significant role in managing Axon’s IP portfolio.

To qualify for the Associate IP Counsel, Patents role at Axon, you should be a registered patent attorney with 1-2 years of law firm experience or a patent agent with at least 2 years of experience. A degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field is necessary, along with a strong understanding of both legal and technological aspects related to patents.

Axon offers a fast-paced and collaborative work environment as an Associate IP Counsel, Patents. You'll often work independently, yet have easy access to support from other team members. The culture encourages open communication and values diverse perspectives, fostering a sense of teamwork within the organization.

At Axon, the benefits for Associate IP Counsel, Patents include a competitive salary, 401k matching, paid parental leave, comprehensive medical and dental plans, and support for emotional wellness. We also prioritize employee development and offer various learning programs.

Axon is committed to building diverse teams, and we actively encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for the Associate IP Counsel, Patents position. We recognize that diverse perspectives enhance innovation and problem-solving, making our workplace more inclusive.

Certainly! When discussing your experience with drafting patent applications, highlight specific instances where you successfully wrote provisional or non-provisional applications. Share the outcomes, the technologies involved, and how you addressed any challenges during the drafting process.

When asked about conducting prior art searches, explain your approach, including the databases and tools you use. It’s beneficial to mention any strategies you employ to ensure comprehensive searches, such as using keywords effectively and analyzing similar patents.

In answering this question, provide a specific example of a project where you worked with engineers, detailing how you identified innovations and analyzed their patent potential. Discuss the communication methods used and how the collaboration enhanced the outcome.

Discuss your systematic approach to responding to office actions, including how you analyze the patent examiner’s concerns and create clear, legally-sound arguments. Providing examples of successful responses can demonstrate your expertise.

Reflect on a particular challenge you faced in patent law, explaining the situation and the steps you took to resolve it. Focus on what you learned from the experience and how it shaped your approach to future challenges.

Explain your methods for keeping informed about patent law updates, such as attending seminars, participating in legal forums, or subscribing to relevant journals. Highlight why staying current is critical for your role as an Associate IP Counsel.

When answering this question, emphasize your alignment with Axon's mission to protect life and how your expertise can contribute to that vision. Mention your enthusiasm for the technology Axon develops and the meaningful impact it has on society.

Detail any experience you have in IP litigation, even if it’s limited. Explain your role, the nature of the cases involved, and what lessons you learned from participating in litigation efforts, highlighting your understanding of both patent law and litigation strategies.

In response to this question, outline your knowledge of international patent laws, including treaties like the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Mention any experience you have in filing patents in multiple jurisdictions and why you think it is critical.

Share your time management techniques for handling multiple deadlines, such as prioritizing tasks, using digital tools to keep track of responsibilities, and communicating clearly with your team. Real-world examples will demonstrate your effectiveness.