Sr. Intellectual Property Engineer

Date: Nov 18, 2024

Location:

Milwaukee, WI, US, 53204-2941

Req ID: 31782

Onsite or Remote: Hybrid Position

Komatsu is an indispensable partner to the construction, mining, forestry, forklift, and industrial machinery markets, maximizing value for customers through innovative solutions. With a diverse line of products supported by our advanced IoT technologies, regional distribution channels, and a global service network, we tap into the power of data and technology to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance. Komatsu supports a myriad of markets, including housing, infrastructure, water, pipeline, minerals, automobile, aerospace, electronics and medical, through its many brands and subsidiaries, including TimberPro, Joy, P&H, Montabert, Modular Mining Systems, Hensley Industries, NTC, and Gigaphoton.

Job Overview

The Senior Intellectual Property Engineer (strategy and projects) will serve as an integrated support role for Komatsu’s North American Mining product development. The Engineer will work directly for the Senior Regulations and IP Director to develop an encompassing IP strategy. The strategy will cover Primarily all elements of the existing patent portfolio, as well as new and developing technologies (Centers of Excellence), Technical Centers and support activities such as invention disclosure, patent filing, patent prosecution, renewals etc. The engineer will work with cross-functional teams to automate and digitize existing processes to ensure that all IP related information is harvested, reviewed, and documented (IP docket) in the most efficient manner.

Key Job Responsibilities

Will coordinate a global project (IP project) for the US based Product Development Groups.
Coordinate activities with outside legal counsel.
Communicate the needs of IP with the greater engineering community.
Leverage IT to implement digital processes across Komatsu Mining etc.
Assist inventors and engineering teams with evaluation of inventions for possible patent filings.
Organize Patent Approval Committee meetings with Inventor(s) and Sr. Management for filing approval.
Review draft patent applications and responses to office actions and provide instructions to outside patent counsel.
Analyze freedom-to-operate issues with regards to new products.
Develop knowledge of competitor IP (intellectual property, i.e., patents).
Review competitor patents and classify them.
Perform patent searches and investigate competitor technology.
Analyze and evaluate patents, and advise businesses and engineering teams with respect to currently patented technologies.

Qualifications/Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other relevant science.
2-5 years of industry related experience, preferably design and development of construction/agricultural or mining equipment.
Total IP experience of 5+ years in patent searching.
Experience in conducting freedom-to-operate analyses.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills working with people of varying technical or organizational backgrounds.
Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and in teams.
Ability to travel up to 20%.
Patent Agent registration a plus, not required

Additional Information

Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.