What you’ll do

• Collaborate with the Chief IP Counsel in developing and implementing the strategic plan for Scout Motors’ worldwide patent and trade secret portfolio
• Serve as subject matter expert for entire organization, providing legal and strategic advice on patents, trade secrets and other IP-related matters
• Build relationships with the Engineering, Product, Design, Growth and Strategy Teams, and provide training, guidance and encouragement, to facilitate the development of Scout Motors’ patent and trade secret portfolios, including conducting invention mining sessions and participating in the product review process
• Conduct and oversee patentability and landscape searches and analyses, and oversee patent application preparation and prosecution to support the company’s patent filing strategy and process
• Assist in developing and implementing a worldwide freedom-to-operate strategy, including conducting and overseeing freedom-to-operate searches, preparing analyses, and formulating informal opinions on patent clearance/non-infringement
• Draft and negotiate intercompany and third-party IP-focused agreements, including in-bound and out-bound license and joint development agreements, as well as IP terms of commercial, strategic partnership, financing and other agreements
• Assist business leaders with M&A strategy by helping to evaluate potential targets, conducting IP due diligence, advising corporate development personnel on IP legal and strategic matters, and drafting and negotiating IP-related terms in purchase agreements
• Assist in developing and implementing the company’s open source compliance program, including providing guidance and training to software development teams

Location & Travel Expectations: The responsibilities of this role require attendance at in-person meetings and events regularly. This role may be based out of a Scout Motors location in either Novi, MI or Tysons, VA. Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company.

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scouts to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here’s what else you’ll bring:

• A Juris Doctorate (JD) and license to practice and in good standing with at least one state bar
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science / engineering, automotive technology, or related field
• Admitted to practice and in good standing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Minimum 12 years’ experience as a practicing patent attorney, preferred in-house experience
• Enthusiasm for practicing patent law in an extremely fast-paced, start-up environment
• Ability to provide both legal and strategic advice to Scout Motors’ executives and leaders
• Superb oral and written communication skills with the ability to explain legal concepts to non-attorneys on a regular basis
• Excellent legal judgment, business acumen, practical, and common-sense skills to understand the needs of a start-up
• Ability to prioritize work and manage deadlines
• Ability to manage uncertainty and novelty and to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up. This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation. In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave
• Corporate Vehicle Program with:
  • Eligibility for 1 assigned vehicle and to lease 1 vehicle at competitive rates 
  • A mobility stipend

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $200,000 - $230,000

Internal leveling code: M6

Notice to applicants:

• Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 
• Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. 
• Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.