The University of Michigan has engaged Major, Lindsey & Africa on an exclusive basis to conduct a search for an Associate General Counsel – Patent Attorney to be located in Ann Arbor, MI.

Position Overview: The successful candidate must be able to provide legal and policy advice on intellectual property matters and related transactions, particularly in the areas of patents, copyrights, and software. This attorney will be advising U-M, specifically Innovation Partnerships and other internal clients, in interactions with external entities on complex issues related to the licensing of U-M developed technologies to established companies and start-ups. Innovation Partnerships serves as the primary gateway for U-M researchers seeking to increase the impact of their work by connecting with private sector entities.

This attorney will be physically located within Innovation Partnerships and will play an important role in facilitating academic discoveries into real world products and services that can improve the human condition. Therefore, the person who fills this role should have a demonstrable passion for the mission of academic technology innovation and assisting with technology transfers to facilitate academic discoveries being incorporated into these products and services. This is a dynamic and fast-paced workplace, and the attorney should take an enthusiastic, collegial, and business-minded approach to representing one of the world’s greatest public universities in discussions and negotiations with private industry, local community members, investors, government entities, and peer institutions.

Responsibilities of the position include:

• Providing legal advice and counsel to Innovation Partnerships, and others in the U-M community, regarding intellectual property transactions, patent and software licenses, and sponsored research agreements.
• Negotiating and drafting patent and software licensing agreements.
• Advising and assisting members of Innovation Partnerships on legal issues related to patent and copyright procurement and enforcement strategy.
• Representing U-M in patent and technology transfer-related disputes and litigation and/or supervising outside counsel on such matters.
• Advising U-M on other intellectual property matters.
• Providing legal advice regarding U-M policies.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with other offices to ensure prompt identification and resolution of issues.
• Developing and delivering relevant trainings.

Company Overview: The University of Michigan is one of the greatest public research universities of the United States. Since the nineteenth century, the University has served as a national model of a complex, diverse, and comprehensive public institution of higher learning that supports excellence in research; provides outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and professional education; and demonstrates commitment to service through partnerships and collaborations that extend to the community, region, state, nation, and around the world. For more information, visit: www.umich.edu.

Experience: The successful candidate should have at least four (4) years of legal experience at a law firm or in-house legal department. Experience with patent litigation, negotiating complicated agreements, and ability to multi-task and prioritize matters effectively are required. Experience with technology transactions and patent and software licensing is strongly preferred. A demonstrated commitment to the mission of higher education and public research institutions is also considered a clear advantage.

Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits.

Location: Ann Arbor, MI.

Bar Admission: Admission to the Michigan State Bar, or eligibility for immediate admission.