IP - Patent Counsel at Universal Electronics – Santa Ana, California

At UEI you will be part of a world class team that is working to innovate and revolutionize the meaning of wireless control. Whether its via chips, software licenses or turnkey products, we are continuing to reinvent how consumers interact with devices and services in their home.

Each day we make the connected home smarter, easier to connect and use, and more sustainable. We delight our Fortune 100 customers such as Comcast, Apple, Samsung, Google, Vivint and Daikin with ground breaking wireless technology solutions such as advanced, voice-enabled remote controls, cloud control solutions, extreme low power Bluetooth silicon with energy harvesting capabilities, smart thermostats and sensors and many other IoT solutions.

The IP - Patent Counsel manages a global, sophisticated patent portfolio and is responsible for patent drafting, prosecution, and strategic IP work. This role collaborates closely with inventors, engineering, R&D, outside counsel, and business leaders to ensure intellectual property management aligns with product strategy and long-term business objectives. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong strategic judgment and is comfortable operating autonomously while serving as a trusted advisor within a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

The duties listed below are intended only as examples of the various types of work that you may be asked to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. You may be asked to perform other duties as assigned from time to time.

Manage day-to-day prosecution of U.S. and international patent applications

Draft high-quality patent applications and responses to Office Actions with minimal supervision

Develop filing strategies aligned with business priorities, product roadmaps, and competitive positioning

Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and competitive landscape analyses inquiries

Collaborate with product, engineering and business teams on risk assessment and IP strategy

Participate in invention disclosure reviews, and manage an internal Patent Committee to make filing decisions

Maintain accurate docketing, reporting, and portfolio metrics

Support IP litigation matters as needed, including proficiency in drafting initial claim charts against target products

Support IP due diligence for M&A, partnerships, and licensing initiatives

Oversee outside counsel and foreign associates

Managing legal budgets including experience working with finance and accounting teams on budgeting, accrual, and forecast functions

N/A

Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Juris Doctorate degree

Bachelors degree or higher in a technical discipline (e.g., engineering, computer science, physics, or related field)

5+ years of patent prosecution experience, with working knowledge of USPTO, and PCT/EP processes and procedures

Proven ability to manage patent matters independently and exercise sound judgment

Experience coordinating international patent filings and prosecution

Experience supporting product-driven or R&D-intensive organizations

Familiarity with IP issues related to commercialization, licensing, or litigation support

Business-oriented mindset with strong strategic thinking and attention to detail

Strong time management, organizational, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Ability to balance legal risk, cost, and business value

Excellent organizational and prioritization skills

Collaborative, practical, and solution-focused approach

Flexible and adaptable to a changing environment

Ability to multi-task and self-manage deadlines with a strong sense of accountability to manage workload

Experience managing legal budgets in a corporate environment

4 days in office, optional Flex Fridays

Physically able to participate in training sessions, presentations, and meetings.

Sitting for extended periods of time; Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, etc.

Compensation and Benefits Disclosure

In accordance with pay transparency laws in the State of California, UEI provides a good-faith compensation range for this position which the company reasonably expects to pay upon hire, based on good-faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting. The final compensation within this range will depend on the candidates qualifications, education, training, experience and location. In addition to the compensation, UEI offers comprehensive health and welfare as well as retirement plan benefits which are not reflected in the pay range above.

Universal Electronics Inc. (NASDAQ: UEIC) is the worldwide leader in universal control and sensing technologies for the smart home. Its broad portfolio of patents includes QuickSet software that utilizes the worlds most complete knowledge graph to detect and interact with thousands of entertainment and smart home devices. The company designs, develops, and manufactures innovative products that are used by the worlds leading brands in the audio, video, subscription broadcasting, connected home, home energy management, and mobile device markets. UEIs many first-to-market innovations have helped transform the home entertainment control, home security, and home energy management and sensing industries.

Universal Electronics Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We are proud of our diverse workforce and we believe having diverse teams that everyone brings their whole self to work everyday is key to all of our success. We welcome all people of different experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and abilities.