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Okta, a leading cloud-first SaaS identity and security company, seeks an experienced Corporate Counsel specializing in Intellectual Property. This role sits within Okta's high-impact Legal team and focuses on protecting the company's innovations and shaping its global IP strategy.
The successful candidate will manage Okta's IP portfolio lifecycle, ensuring alignment with corporate development and business objectives. Key responsibilities include overseeing patent prosecution and strategy, working with engineering and product teams to identify patentable inventions, and developing patent literacy across the organization. You'll collaborate with outside counsel on drafting and prosecuting high-quality patent applications, develop deep knowledge of the industry's patent landscape, and refine Okta's patent strategy to protect core technologies and next-generation innovations.
Beyond patents, the role encompasses broader IP responsibilities: advising on trade secret protection and policies, managing software copyright issues and open-source software compliance, supporting trademark registration and enforcement for Okta and Auth0 brands, and handling IP provisions in contracts (MSAs, JDAs, vendor agreements, licensing deals). You'll conduct IP due diligence for acquisitions, draft IP-related closing documents, and support all phases of IP litigation.
Additional duties include translating complex IP concepts into business-oriented advice for non-legal stakeholders, refining company-wide IP policies and invention disclosure programs, advising on API integrations and developer agreements, assisting with IP-related compliance and industry standards relevant to SaaS and cybersecurity, and delivering employee training on IP best practices.
The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of IP experience with a strong software patent prosecution background, a J.D. from an accredited law school, active bar membership, and USPTO registration as a Patent Attorney. You must hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field. Experience with SaaS, cloud-based software, and other relevant technologies is essential. You thrive in fast-paced environments, operate with speed and urgency, and execute with excellence.
