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Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company focused on supplying critical minerals for modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. The company combines deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making to reimagine the minerals supply chain.
You will join as an experienced IP Counsel reporting to the General Counsel, serving as the primary legal resource for all intellectual property matters. This is a hands-on, generalist IP role where you will own the full range of IP issues at a company building first-of-a-kind technology, including patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyright, domain names, open source, and IP aspects of commercial transactions. As the first IP-focused hire, you will build the infrastructure—policies, processes, templates, and outside counsel relationships—that protects the company's innovations.
Key responsibilities include developing and leading IP strategy aligned with the technology roadmap and business objectives; building and managing the patent portfolio from invention capture through prosecution; establishing a trade secret protection program; overseeing trademark, brand, and domain name portfolios; drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreement provisions involving IP (licenses, partnerships, joint development, software agreements, purchase agreements); leading IP due diligence for financings, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships; and providing general legal support across the business.
You will work cross-functionally as a trusted business partner, identifying risks early and aligning legal strategy with operational realities. The role requires independent work, managing multiple competing priorities in a fast-moving, resource-constrained environment with limited direction and a high degree of ownership and accountability.
REQUIREMENTS:
- J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing
- 6+ years of intellectual property experience (law firm and/or in-house) with breadth across patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyright
- Demonstrated experience managing patent prosecution and portfolios, including working directly with inventors and directing outside counsel
- Experience drafting and negotiating IP-related commercial agreements, including licenses, joint development agreements, technology and software agreements, and IP provisions in broader commercial contracts
- Technical fluency and ability to engage deeply with engineers and scientists on complex processes, hardware, and software, translating technical detail into sound IP strategy
- Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills with ability to calibrate risk and translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple competing priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-moving, resource-constrained environment with limited direction
- High degree of ownership and accountability; ability to see matters through from start to finish with low-ego and collaborative approach
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- Technical degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, metallurgy, mechanical or electrical engineering, computer science, or related field
- Experience in a fast-paced startup or similar organization, ideally including building an IP function or program from the ground up
- Experience with IP in mining, energy, chemicals, advanced materials, industrial processing, robotics, or other physical or deep-tech industries
- Experience with international filing strategy (including PCT practice), trade secret programs, and open-source governance
- Experience with IP due diligence, licensing transactions, and IP disputes or litigation support
- Experience building or improving processes from scratch, including by leveraging software and/or AI
