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Whirlpool
Patent Counsel
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What they do
An Intellectual Property Lawyer is a legal professional who works closely with businesses, guiding them through the process of acquiring, protecting and using intellectual property such as patents and copyrights
$203,169 / year median in Michigan
-11% projected decline
Job Description
Requisition ID:
72933 About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:
WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S- based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2025, the company reported approximately $16 billion in annual net sales
- close to 90% of which were in the Americas
- 41,000 employees, and 35 manufacturing and technology research centers.
- Developing and executing intellectual property protection strategies related to assigned Whirlpool innovation and technology areas
- Advising on patent strategy, and managing the filing, prosecution, and maintenance of Whirlpool's global patent portfolio
- Negotiating intellectual property-related contracts, including M&A, confidentiality, development, and license agreements, and assisting in negotiation of more general commercial agreements, including procurement and service agreements
- Investigating and pursuing opportunities to enforce Whirlpool's intellectual property and monetize its intellectual property assets
- Establishing product clearance plans and reviewing and advising on freedom-to-operate risks
- Providing intellectual property advice and training to the engineering and business teams
- Developing and improving the processes and systems that enable the patent function within the law department to efficiently deliver a sophisticated intellectual property strategy A Patent Counsel at Whirlpool should be able to:
- Provide thought leadership in advancing Whirlpool's business strategy through intellectual property
- Drive strategic legal projects forward, including building relationships and inspiring cross-functional collaboration
- Design and implement efficient and effective processes for meeting the business's need for legal strategies and support
- Recognize and cut to the core of legal issues and then provide a practical, business-oriented approach to problem solving
- Be relied upon to effectively and independently manage projects
- Communicate clearly and concisely with technical and non-technical audiences, both in writing and verbally ## Minimum requirements
- JD from an accredited law school, with strong academic credentials and Bar Admission
- Bachelor's Degree
- 3+ years of legal experience as an attorney in the field of intellectual property, including patents. Experience in patent or trade secret litigation, IP transactions, patent monetization, and global patent portfolio management are highly desirable ## Preferred skills and experiences
- Bachelor's Degree in a math, physics, engineering or other technology-focused field
- Ability to prioritize and manage a large volume of concurrent projects
- Strong analytical, organization, communication, and project management skills
- Preferably admitted to practice before the U.
Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations:
Beautiful, recently renovated office space, Barista Bar, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy- Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability
- additional costs required). #LI-DD1 ## Additional Considerations Whirlpool's Ways of Working Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. While employees in this role work in-person Monday through Friday. We offer flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what's important at work and at home, including:
- Always On Flexibility
- You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed.
- Two-Week Work from Anywhere
- Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.
- Sabbatical
- Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.