Director of International Patent Litigation
Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States
Corporate Functions
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming great products, services, and customer experiences very quickly! Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish.
Do you love taking on big challenges without precedent? Do you possess a deep knowledge of the legal field and a passion for innovation? As a part of our Legal group, you’ll help uphold Apple’s high ethical and corporate standards, as well as defend our intellectual property. You’ll help provide legal support for all our products and businesses across the globe. Working for a company that invents entire categories and industries means you’ll be challenged to creatively apply your deep legal expertise to rare and often unexplored aspects of the law. Together with your team, you’ll provide the critical support needed worldwide for all Apple products and businesses.
Description
We are seeking a Director of International Patent Litigation to lead Apple’s international patent cases, including both offensive and defensive efforts. In this role you will work closely with senior engineering and business leaders to ensure Apple’s interests are protected in courts all around the world. Your role will require you to think strategically about International intellectual property risks, and to advise on the scope of patent protection of various regional laws. Responsibilities will include defining and implementing strategies, managing risk through proactive efforts, advocating for balanced patent law and policy worldwide, supporting transaction efforts, mentoring and developing the patent litigation team, and managing outside counsel.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead a high-performing team in patent litigation to align with Apple’s long-term business goals.
- Develop and execute international patent litigation strategies that protect Apple’s innovations across hardware, software, services, and emerging technologies.
- Provide strategic direction for international patent litigation in alignment with evolving business and legal risks.
- Mentor and support the development of internal attorneys.
- Direct cross-functional collaboration with product, engineering, and legal teams to address standards, open source, enforcement, litigation, licensing, regulatory, and acquisition due diligence.
- Work with external stakeholders and industry groups to advocate for balanced patent law and policy.
- Serve as the senior leader for engagement with outside counsel and manage international patent litigation efforts.
- Advance inclusion and diversity initiatives across Apple and the legal profession.
Minimum Qualifications
- JD degree
- 15+ years of relevant experience at a top law firm and/or in-house legal department, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
- Attorney with 15+ years of experience managing complex patent litigation, strategy, and patent-related risk management
- Senior leadership experience managing complex patent cases in a variety of International courts
Key Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
- Proven ability to communicate at a senior executive level, synthesizing complex legal and technical information for cross-functional leadership
- Experience managing cross-border legal issues and global teams
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance risk management and value creation in high-stakes, fast-paced environments
Education & Experience
Additional Requirements
Pay & Benefits
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.