Patent Counsel Tesla Motors

About Tesla

Palo Alto, California-based, Tesla Motors uses proprietary technology, world-class design, and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to create a new generation of highway capable electric vehicles. We utilize an innovative distribution model based on Company-owned sales and service centers. This approach allows us to maintain the highest levels of customer experience and benefit from short customer feedback loops to ensure our customer needs are fulfilled. We believe our operational infrastructure provides us with a competitive advantage compared to traditional automobile manufacturers.

The Role

Tesla is looking to hire its first in-house Patent Counsel for the growing legal department. This attorney will be an integral part of the team, ensuring that business-critical innovation is protected and fully aligned to Tesla's business strategies. Tesla prosecutes over 100 patents each year and this attorney will have a critical role in drafting and coordinating all prosecution activities. Typical daily activities will be 90% patent preparation and prosecution and 10% strategic intellectual property issues. This person will be required to interface closely with Tesla's Engineering teams and will need to quickly grasp complex technical data pertaining to intellectual property.

Responsibilities

• Preparation and prosecution of patent applications.
• Substantial internal client interaction regarding the patent prosecution process and timelines.
• Ability to comprehend complicated technical specifications and translate them into patent applications.
• Evaluate and monitor patent portfolios.
• Mine the various technical areas for emerging technologies and insure that those technologies are properly protected.
• Development of patent strategies.
• Research Tesla's existing patents and patent infringement.

Requirements

• 5 plus years of patent prosecution experience.
• Member of a state bar (CA preferred) and admitted to practice before the Patent and Trademark Office.
• J.D. with excellent academic credentials and top tier school.
• Applicants must have a strong undergraduate academic record.
• Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics Degree or other technical background.
• Desire to work at a cutting-edge technology firm.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, prioritize workflow, meet demanding deadlines, and manage multi-dimensional projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work both independently and with a diverse set of personalities in a team oriented environment.

Tesla Motors is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, age, sex, ancestry, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, present or past history of mental disability, genetic information or any other classification protected by state or federal law.