Job Title:  Patent Counsel

About the role:

As a Patent Counsel of Versuni, you will be a key member of our Patent Team within the global Product & Innovation department. Located in Shanghai, you will provide expert legal advice and strategic guidance on patent matters to support our global ambitions in delivering world-class home living products. Your role will involve managing all aspects of patent prosecution, enforcement, and portfolio management, ensuring that our innovations are protected effectively across relevant jurisdictions. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, engineering, and product management to identify and secure intellectual property rights that safeguard our competitive edge.

Your work will contribute to shaping the innovation landscape at Versuni, supporting our commitment to turning houses into homes by protecting breakthrough technologies and designs. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of patent law alongside strong communication skills to clearly articulate complex legal concepts to diverse teams. You will also be instrumental in identifying opportunities for licensing, partnerships, and defending patent rights as necessary.

In this role you will:

• Evaluate invention disclosures with the goal of providing optimal protection and generating maximum long-term value to Versuni.
• Prepare, file, and prosecute high quality patent applications meeting international standards.  Maintain a substantial and active prosecution docket of global patent applications and rights
• Assess and manage third party patent risks.  When necessary, seek to obtain access to third party patent rights at the lowest cost possible for Versuni products and services
• Conduct patent intelligence to investigate patent portfolio and strategy of main global/local competitors.
• Provide strategic IP counseling to our business, including negotiating and drafting agreements with IP provisions such as collaboration, joint development, purchasing, licensing, and M&A.
• Enforce Versuni patent rights against infringements.

To succeed in this role, you should have the following skills and experience

•    Bachelor’s degree or above in science or engineering;
•    Patent qualification for CNIPA and/or EPO;
•    Excellent command of Chinese and English;
•    10+ years of experience in practicing patent;
•    A proactive, entrepreneurial, business-oriented working attitude and a proven understanding of the commercial value of patents;
•    Confidence and communication skills to operate at all levels both internally and externally.

Other preferred experience includes:
- Drafting and prosecuting internationally filed patent applications;
- Patent litigation and/or licensing;
- Patent risk assessment;
- Contract drafting and negotiation;
- Law-bar qualification 

What we’ll give you in return:

Joining Versuni comes with a comprehensive and rewarding benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth. We offer competitive compensation reflective of your experience and the critical nature of your role within our organization. Our workplace fosters continuous learning through access to training programs, workshops, and opportunities to engage with industry experts.

As part of our commitment to employee wellbeing, you’ll enjoy health and wellness benefits, including medical insurance and support programs. We promote a collaborative and inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages innovation, ensuring you feel empowered to contribute your unique perspectives.

Additionally, you will have the chance to work in a vibrant, state-of-the-art facility in Suzhou Industrial Park, with flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance. Our global scale and dynamic environment provide excellent opportunities for career advancement and international exposure, enabling you to broaden your skillset and impact.

The impact you’ll make:

By joining Versuni as a Patent Counsel, you will play a crucial role in preserving and enhancing the value of our intellectual assets, directly impacting our growth and innovation trajectory. Your expertise will help ensure that our cutting-edge home products, ranging from advanced kitchen appliances to intelligent coffee makers, maintain their market uniqueness and legal robustness.

Your strategic input will influence product development cycles by integrating IP considerations early in the innovation process, promoting a culture of proactive intellectual property management. Additionally, you will contribute to risk mitigation by conducting thorough patent landscape analyses and providing timely advice on freedom to operate issues, thus enabling confident decision-making for product launches and international expansion.

Your involvement in patent disputes or negotiations will uphold Versuni's interests and foster a strong IP position that supports sustainable business success. In essence, your impact extends beyond legal counsel to becoming a trusted partner in driving Versuni's vision to transform home living experiences worldwide.

Ready to make an impact?

Are you ready to make an impact at Versuni? We invite talented individuals who are passionate about protecting innovation and shaping the future of home living to join our team as Patent Counsel. This is your chance to contribute to a company dedicated to creating meaningful products that enhance daily life around the world.

If you aspire to work collaboratively within a forward-thinking global organization that values intellectual property as a core asset, Versuni is the place for you. Here, your expertise will not only be recognized but will help drive the success of industry-leading brands and innovations.

Take the next step in your legal career by becoming part of our diverse and inclusive community, where your dedication and knowledge will be fully supported and rewarded. Come help Versuni turn houses into homes—apply today and join us on this exciting journey.