Intellectual Property Liaison

W. L. Gore & Associates has demonstrated a high-energy commitment to innovation over its 48-year history. Hundreds of products for demanding fabric, medical, electronic and industrial applications have grown out of our commitment to the creation of new, ever-better technologies. That spirit of innovation, challenge, and opportunity combines in a uniquely creative work environment and has contributed to Gore's repeated listing among the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America". Additional information is available about W. L. Gore on our website at www.gore.com



W.L. Gore & Associates, Medical Products Division, is seeking an experienced candidate to help manage important intellectual property (IP) activities in support of on-going and anticipated business operations. This position will be aligned specifically to business units in the MD/DE area and will play an active role in championing the IP efforts. To that end, the IP Champion Liaison will be partnering with the responsible patent counsel for the identification, coordination, and timely resolution of intellectual property issues impacting those business units. This position will support a variety of functional teams including: Engineering, Technology, Marketing, Sales, Product Specialists, Segment Leadership, Legal, and Divisional Leadership. This individual will also interact with outside inventors (some of whom may be clinician customers) and undertake in external diligence activities. Consequently, the ability to multi-task, effectively communicate, and diplomatically represent Gore are essential to the successful execution of this role. Some travel is required (up to 25% initially)and a commitment to high standards of ethics and quality work product is a must.

General responsibilities will include:
Collaborating with Business Unit and Segment Leadership to prioritize and manage the IP issues affecting the Business Unit;
Understanding and proactively resolving the varied IP needs of a Business Unit via creative leveraging of Legal Team assets;
Providing strategic consultation and on-going cultivation of the intellectual property portfolio of a Business Unit;

Specific responsibilities will include:
Supporting Inventors, Business Unit Teams, other IP Champions to ensure IP-related needs (e.g., patent application and prosecution activities, freedom-to-practice activities, acquisition diligence activities, and licensing and assignment efforts, proactive IP space mapping for determination of strategic "white spots") are being fulfilled;

Supporting Inventors throughout the patent application process;
Helping inventors and the Business Unit prepare invention disclosures;
Coordinating "Whiteboard Sessions" in conjunction with the Legal Team;
Compiling data and Prior Art searches;
Assisting in the preparation for monthly Corporate IP Committee meetings and participation therein, as appropriate;
Assist in drafting patent applications, including patent claims, in conjunction with the Legal Team;
Assist with performing competitive intellectual property analyses; and, provide patent status updates to the inventors to help them understand where the application(s) resides in the prosecution timeline.
Contributing to monthly IP Team planning meetings.

Qualifications
This position requires a versatile, highly organized, hands-on achiever with a successful track-record of applied technology management and the ability to productively support multiple, simultaneous, team-based technical efforts. Ability to rapidly understand complex technology and potential applications in competitive markets is very important.

The successful candidate must have basic knowledge of Patent processes, laws and regulations and have played a key role in IP assessment and capture. They must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to identify, initiate and drive projects to completion, and an adaptable, service-oriented working style. The ability to work with individual inventors, project teams, and the broader Legal Team is a must.

A degree in Science or Engineering (Material Science preferred), with at least 8 years of practical experience in product or technology development. An advanced degree is a plus. Experience in the medical device industry is strongly desired.



W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
For further information regarding Gore, visit our website at www.gore.com