Senior IP Counsel – Materials Group

About the Position

Senior IP Counsel – Materials Group

Avery Dennison Corporation, a global materials science and digital identification solutions company, is seeking a Senior IP Counsel for its Materials Group. This role will focus on developing and executing global IP strategy, managing portfolios, and leading complex commercial transactions.

Responsibilities

• Global IP Strategy & Commercial Alignment

  • Drive and execute a global IP strategy aligned with core business growth, high-margin product platforms, and expansion in key international markets.
  • Counsel business leaders on portfolio optimization, patents vs trade secrets, trademarks, and open-source models to maximize ROI and market protection.
  • Manage, allocate, and optimize global IP budgets and external legal spend.

• Portfolio Development & IP Lifecycle Management

  • Oversee end-to-end global patent procurement (drafting, PCT/foreign filings, prosecution) to build strong, defensible IP fences around key platforms.
  • Guide, challenge, and triage R&D inventions to ensure high-value filing decisions and strong alignment with technology roadmaps.
  • Execute offensive and defensive IP strategies, including competitive surveillance, EPO oppositions, and third-party observations.

• Freedom to Operate (FTO), Risk Mitigation and Disputes

  • Conduct rigorous patentability, validity, and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) analyses to clear new product launches and minimize infringement risks.
  • Advise executive leadership and stakeholders on legal risks regarding patenting, commercial readiness, and contractual exposure.
  • Manage IP litigation, adversarial proceedings, and dispute resolution in close coordination with outside counsel and internal business partners.

• Complex Commercial Transactions & M&A

  • Structure, draft, and negotiate complex IP and technology transactions, including Joint Development Agreements, inbound/outbound licensing, strategic vendor contracts, and research collaborations.
  • Lead IP due diligence and risk assessment for M&A, joint ventures, and venture investments.

• Cross Functional Leadership & Enablement

  • Act as an embedded legal partner to R&D, Commercial, Procurement, and Business Development teams, integrating IP guidance early into product development.
  • Design and deliver IP training programs for cross-functional staff on IP best practices, invention disclosures, and trade secret protection.
  • Mentor, integrate, and leverage global internal IP resources, external agents, and foreign counsel.

Requirements

• General Qualifications

  • Superior understanding of, and ability to take and manage risk.
  • Strong business acumen, and ability to connect the law and legal strategies to business goals in a way that guides clients to successful outcomes.
  • Excellent grasp of finance and budgeting concepts.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead.

• Education and Credentials

  • A technical degree (B.S., M.S., or Ph.D.) in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Physical Chemistry, or Mechanical Engineering is required. Deep technical familiarity with pressure-sensitive adhesives, self-adhesive label stock, films (functional and/or graphic wrapping), polymers, or surface/coating technology is strongly preferred.
  • A law degree (J.D.), registration with the USPTO, and admission to the Bar in at least one U.S. state in good standing are also required.

• Required Experience

  • 15+ years of dedicated patent and legal experience (including at least 3+ years in an in-house corporate law department supporting industrial materials, chemicals, roll-to-roll processing, or advanced manufacturing), including strong business counseling and strategy, transactions, patent drafting and prosecution, freedom to operate opinions, and litigation.
  • Demonstrated experience with international patent practice (PCT, EPO, CNIPA) and post-grant opposition proceedings (especially EPO oppositions).
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated experience in collaboration with global teams, including the ability to communicate across regional and cultural boundaries.
  • Robust transactional experience (including complex JDAs, licenses, partnering, and strategic sourcing agreements).

• Preferred Experience

  • Litigation and patent opposition/invalidation experience.
  • Experience with RFID, digital identification, smart labels, sensor integration, or AI and other emerging technologies.
  • Trademark portfolio management experience.

We Offer

• Competitive salary range: $180,000 - $270,000/year.
• Health & wellness benefits starting on day 1 of employment.
• Paid parental leave.
• 401K eligibility.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program eligibility / Health Advocate.
• Paid vacation and paid holidays.

About the Company

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. We are Making Possible™ products and solutions that help advance the industries we serve, providing branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste and mitigate loss, advance sustainability, circularity, and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers. We design and develop labeling and functional materials, radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital, and offerings that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving industries worldwide - including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals, and automotive - we employ approximately 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2025 were $8.9 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Avery Dennison is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status.

Reasonable Accommodations Notice

If you require accommodations to view or apply for a job, alternative methods are available to submit an application. Please contact (440) 534-6000 or [email protected] to discuss reasonable accommodations.

Pre-employment Screening Notice

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment, Avery Dennison requires all final candidates to successfully complete a comprehensive background check and a drug screening. These checks are conducted post-offer and are a condition of employment. All results will be considered in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.