What Does an Intellectual Property Attorney Do?
An intellectual property (IP) attorney helps individuals, startups, and corporations protect their intangible assets (ideas, inventions, brand identities, creative works, proprietary data, and more). These attorneys advise clients on securing and enforcing rights under patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law. Their work may include drafting licensing agreements, guiding clients through registration processes with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or U.S. Copyright Office, and developing strategies to protect global IP portfolios.
In addition to transactional support, IP attorneys often represent clients in disputes related to infringement, misappropriation, or unfair competition. They may file or defend claims in federal court, appear before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) or Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), and negotiate settlements. The role requires a detailed understanding of statutory and case law, technical subject matter (especially in patent law), and evolving global IP frameworks. Intellectual property attorneys play a critical role in helping businesses maintain a competitive advantage and avoid legal risks.
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IP Attorney Core Responsibilities
- Advise clients on IP protection strategies for patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets
- Prepare and file applications with the USPTO or U.S. Copyright Office
- Conduct IP searches and issue legal opinions regarding registrability or infringement risk
- Draft and review licensing agreements, NDAs, and technology transfer contracts
- Represent clients in TTAB or PTAB proceedings and federal IP litigation
- Monitor IP portfolios and manage renewals, office actions, and international filings
- Handle cease-and-desist letters, enforcement actions, and settlement negotiations
- Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and business teams to align IP strategy with company goals
- Stay up to date on changes to U.S. and international IP laws and industry standards
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of IP law (trademark, patent, copyright, and trade secrets)
- Legal research and writing proficiency
- Experience with USPTO procedures and filings
- Contract drafting and negotiation skills
- Familiarity with litigation processes in federal court or before the USPTO
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented and highly analytical
- Clear communication of complex legal and technical issues
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Strong client service and relationship management skills
- Time management in high-volume or deadline-driven environments
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (required for patent prosecution roles)
Certifications
- Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
- USPTO registration number (required for patent attorneys only)
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience with international IP filings or global portfolio management
- Technical background in engineering, computer science, or life sciences
- Litigation experience involving IP infringement or unfair competition
- Bilingual or multilingual ability for international client communication
National Average Salary
IP attorney salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Intellectual Property Attorney is:
$173,497
Sample Job Description Templates for IP Attorneys
Associate Intellectual Property Attorney
Position Overview
We are seeking an Associate Intellectual Property Attorney to support our growing IP practice. This role will assist with preparing and prosecuting trademark and patent applications, conducting legal research, and advising clients on intellectual property strategy. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in IP law, excellent writing skills, and an eagerness to build technical expertise while working under the guidance of senior counsel.
Responsibilities
- Draft and file trademark and patent applications with the USPTO
- Conduct clearance searches and provide registrability or patentability opinions
- Support responses to office actions and client inquiries
- Assist with due diligence in M&A or licensing transactions
- Prepare cease-and-desist letters and enforcement correspondence
- Monitor client IP portfolios and manage deadlines
- Perform legal research and contribute to client memoranda
- Collaborate with partners and senior associates on IP litigation and strategy
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with trademark and patent prosecution procedures
- Strong legal writing and research capabilities
- Experience using IP docketing systems and research tools (e.g., Saegis, TESS, PACER)
- Understanding of IP licensing and contractual terms
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills
- Strong communication and client-service mindset
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Willingness to learn and take initiative
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (required)
- USPTO registration number (preferred for patent prosecution)
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in an IP-focused role
- STEM background for patent work
- Experience with TTAB proceedings
Senior IP Counsel
Position Overview
We are looking for a Senior IP Counsel to lead key intellectual property initiatives and provide strategic guidance on protecting and leveraging proprietary assets. This individual will advise leadership on IP risk, manage outside counsel, and oversee the development and enforcement of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Ideal candidates bring deep IP experience, strong business acumen, and the ability to translate legal concepts into practical solutions.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute global IP strategies aligned with company objectives
- Manage prosecution of patents and trademarks through external counsel
- Draft and negotiate licensing, joint development, and confidentiality agreements
- Counsel internal teams on product development, branding, and risk mitigation
- Handle IP disputes, oppositions, and enforcement actions globally
- Support IP components of corporate transactions, including due diligence
- Educate business units on IP policies and awareness
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of domestic and international IP law
- Contract negotiation and drafting expertise
- Experience managing outside counsel and legal budgets
- Familiarity with IP management tools and portfolio analytics
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking with a proactive mindset
- Clear communicator with cross-functional collaboration skills
- Ability to advise executive stakeholders confidently
- Attention to detail in high-stakes environments
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Licensed to practice law in the U.S. (required)
- USPTO registration number (preferred for patent oversight)
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of IP experience in a corporate or firm setting
- Experience with international filings and WIPO procedures
- Background in life sciences, software, or manufacturing industries
In-House IP Counsel
Position Overview
Our legal team is hiring an In-House IP Counsel to manage the company’s growing portfolio of intellectual property and ensure alignment between legal protections and business innovation. This role will partner with R&D, product, and marketing teams to identify and safeguard proprietary assets while supporting day-to-day IP matters across the organization.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify and protect new inventions and trademarks
- Coordinate with external counsel on U.S. and international filings
- Draft and review IP-related agreements, including NDAs and development contracts
- Oversee IP due diligence for partnerships, acquisitions, and vendor negotiations
- Monitor competitive IP activity and assess potential risks
- Develop internal policies and training related to IP ownership and compliance
- Ensure proper maintenance and renewal of the company’s IP assets
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience managing IP portfolios in-house or with corporate clients
- Familiarity with patent and trademark lifecycle management
- Contract drafting related to IP licensing, employment, and collaboration
- Understanding of global IP frameworks and enforcement options
Soft skills
- Strong interpersonal and cross-departmental communication
- Business-oriented problem-solving
- Ability to educate non-legal stakeholders
- Flexibility to work in fast-paced, innovation-driven settings
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (required)
- USPTO registration number (optional, based on technical product scope)
Preferred Qualifications
- 4–6 years of relevant experience, preferably with in-house exposure
- Background in a regulated or IP-intensive industry
- Project management experience
IP Litigation Associate
Position Overview
We are seeking an IP Litigation Associate to join our legal team in handling disputes related to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The ideal candidate will have experience managing complex litigation from pre-filing through trial, including drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, and representing clients in federal court or administrative proceedings.
Responsibilities
- Prepare pleadings, motions, and discovery responses in IP litigation matters
- Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on infringement, validity, and ownership issues
- Assist in depositions, expert preparation, and trial readiness
- Represent clients in federal court, TTAB, or PTAB proceedings
- Support settlement negotiations and mediation efforts
- Work closely with clients to develop case strategy and manage litigation risk
- Maintain detailed and organized case files and deadlines
Requirements
Hard skills
- Litigation experience in federal courts or before IP tribunals
- Strong legal writing and case analysis skills
- Familiarity with claim construction, invalidity, and infringement arguments
- Proficiency with document review and e-discovery platforms
Soft skills
- Critical thinking and legal judgment under pressure
- Clear, persuasive communication
- Strong project and time management
- Team collaboration across practice groups
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Licensed to practice in relevant U.S. jurisdictions (required)
- USPTO registration number (a plus for patent litigation)
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in IP litigation
- Clerkship or trial experience beneficial
- Technical background helpful for patent-heavy caseloads
Chief IP Counsel
Position Overview
We are hiring a Chief Intellectual Property Counsel to lead our global IP strategy and oversee all legal matters related to patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyright. This executive-level role will manage a team of attorneys and outside counsel, advise senior leadership on risk and innovation, and align IP strategy with overall business growth. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise, business fluency, and proven leadership in cross-border IP environments.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of the company’s global IP strategy
- Oversee patent and trademark filings, portfolio maintenance, and enforcement activities
- Advise C-suite and R&D on innovation protection and competitive positioning
- Manage IP-related litigation and dispute resolution efforts
- Direct licensing, M&A, and joint development of IP components
- Build and manage a high-performing in-house IP legal team
- Establish IP governance policies, controls, and training programs
- Monitor global legal developments and ensure compliance
Requirements
Hard skills
- Broad, advanced knowledge of IP law and international IP frameworks
- Experience overseeing litigation, licensing, and portfolio strategy
- Legal team management and external counsel coordination
- Budgeting and legal operations experience
Soft skills
- Executive-level communication and business alignment
- Leadership and team development
- High-level strategic and analytical thinking
- Decision-making under ambiguity
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Licensed to practice law in the U.S. (required)
- USPTO registration number (preferred based on industry)
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in IP law, including at least 5 in a leadership role
- Background in IP-driven sectors such as biotech, software, or manufacturing
- Experience with global enforcement and cross-border IP transactions