Director, Patent Licensing

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Date: Mar 3, 2014

Location TXPLANO, Texas, US

Req ID: 1537

Ericsson is a world-leading provider of telecommunications equipment and services to mobile and fixed network operators. Over 1,000 networks in more than 180 countries use our network equipment, and more than 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic passes through Ericsson networks.
 
We are one of the few companies worldwide that can offer end-to-end solutions for all major mobile communication standards (including 2G, 3G, and 4G). Our networks, telecom services and multimedia solutions make it easier for people, across the world, to communicate.
 
Working in 175 countries, with more than 110,000 employees, Ericsson continuously drives innovations and establishes the standards that lead the industry. Ericsson's patent portfolio is seen as a major tool in supporting Ericsson's commercial objectives, by providing "freedom of action" on our own technologies and products as well as revenue generation by our out-licensing program.
 
In that regard, with some 33,000 granted patents, Ericsson is the largest holder of standard-essential patents for mobile communication. Our unrivalled patent portfolio covers 2G, 3G and 4G technologies, and we are a net receiver of licensing royalties with more than 100 patent-licensing agreements in place.
 
Job Description:
 
The successful candidate will play a very important and critical role as a patent licensing negotiator and manager in Ericsson's global patent licensing program. Working closely with other senior members of Ericsson’s global IPR & Licensing organization, this person will work within Ericsson's patent licensing program for North America. This person will actively manage Ericsson's out licensing activities by (1) identifying potential licensees and formulating appropriate business plans, (2) coordinating and driving necessary technical discussions covering Ericsson’s industry-leading portfolio of over 33,000 patents, (3) leading licensing and business negotiations and executing license agreements, and (4) supporting any litigation that may become necessary to enforce Ericsson’s IP rights.
 
This position will be responsible for:
 

• Investigating licensing prospects in cooperation with other members of Ericsson's global IPR & Licensing Organization;
• Managing business activities in the out-licensing of Ericsson's patent portfolio in North America;
• Managing licensing negotiations with identified prospects by performing necessary technical and business discussions to effectively communicate the value and strength of Ericsson's patent portfolio and to execute license agreements;
• Assessing and evaluating third party patents and portfolios;
• Supporting litigation activities as necessary to assert and/or defend against claims of patent infringement;
• Working in an international environment with the opportunity to exchange views and experiences with colleagues in other countries;
• Developing a network of technical and business contacts within Ericsson;
• Contributing to continuous improvement of working processes to further enhance Ericsson’s global licensing program; and
• The position has great opportunities for further development in various areas depending on personal skills and interest.

 

Requirements:
 

• A minimum of eight to ten years of broad-based patent portfolio licensing negotiation experience with a sophisticated in-house legal department or leading law firm.
• A solid understanding of intellectual property and contract law.
• Substantial experience with patent portfolio licensing activities and formulating intellectual property strategy.
• Ability to review and analyze corporate finance.
• Ability to assist in making business decisions as well as legal decisions.
• A strong image and presence that will engender confidence from the Ericsson management and employees, as well as from potential licensees.
• Must be admitted to practice in at least one of the states in the US.
• Being an active and registered member of the USPTO is not required but would be a big plus.
• Prior licensing experience in the telecom / communication industry preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills required.
• Must be able to work independently and also handle and manage multiple IP tasks and activities as a team member.
• Top academic credentials from an ABA accredited law school.
• Frequent travel, both domestic and international, required.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Primary country and city: United States (US) || Texas || TXPLANO || R&D

Job Segment: Telecom, Telecommunications, Manager, Patent, Law, Technology, Management, Legal

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