Senior Corporate Counsel, Patents

Why PlayStation?

PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Today, we’re recognized as a global leader in entertainment producing The PlayStation family of products and services including PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®VR, PlayStation®Plus, acclaimed PlayStation software titles from PlayStation Studios, and more.

PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity. We welcome and encourage everyone who has a passion and curiosity for innovation, technology, and play to explore our open positions and join our growing global team.

The PlayStation brand falls under Sony Interactive Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation.

Senior Corporate Counsel, Patents 
San Mateo, CA (hybrid) - will require coming into our offices 2x a week
 
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is seeking an experienced patent attorney to join our patent team in San Mateo California. As Senior Corporate Counsel, you will work with a variety of business and legal teams to support patent matters across the full scope of PlayStation products and services. The person taking this position will join a dynamic team of patent professionals responsible for patent portfolio development, licensing, and enforcement activities for SIE. 

The Senior Corporate Counsel will be the primary counsel responsible for patent matters associated with several global business units, reporting to the Senior Director, Patents. 

What you'll be doing: 

• Contribute to the development of SIE’s global patent portfolio across a given set of product and technology areas of responsibility, including invention intake, review, and strategic portfolio assessment and management
• Oversee and provide strategic guidance in the management of patent preparation and prosecution work performed by outside counsel 
• Contribute to SIE’s efforts to grow its patent portfolio through workshops and other innovation sourcing activities
• Support the Senior Director of Patents in advising SIE leadership on strategic patent-related issues as needed
• Lead support and training for legal and business teams on patent-related issues
• Analyze technical trends and developments in SIE's industry and apply this analysis to the strategic direction of SIE’s patent portfolio
• Coordinate and collaborate with Sony Group Company’s IP department as needed.
• Partner with team members at all levels of the global organization and develop positive and collaborative relationships with engineering, product management and legal teams to support the patent program
• Support the global patent team in refining, developing and improving SIE’s patent processes 

What we're looking for:

• Law degree from an accredited U.S. law school and registered USPTO Patent Attorney
• Admission to a U.S. state bar, California State Bar membership preferred; at a minimum, the candidate must be qualified for and quickly able to obtain Registered In-House Counsel status in California and be willing to maintain that status during employment
• Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field
• At least 12 years of patent law post-qualified experience 
• At least 3 years In-house legal department experience managing a large international patent portfolio for a global company
• Experience providing practical advice on a wide variety of legal issues in a fast-paced environment
• Experience drafting and negotiating Intellectual Property agreements with an emphasis on patents
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A dedication to client service and attention to detail
• Strong presentation skills and an ability educate others about Intellectual Property in engaging and impactful ways
• At least 2 years patent prosecution experience in a law firm setting
• Fluent in written and spoken Japanese, would be a plus!
  

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At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.

Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. 

In addition, this role is eligible for SIE’s top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond. 

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.