Intellectual Property and Technology Transaction Counsel (m/f/d)

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA.

When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.

About The Role

The Intellectual Property IP) and Technology Transaction Counsel will be part of Harmans IP legal team and play a pivotal role in supporting Harman's success.

In this position, you will be responsible for providing IP legal advice to our Strategic Business Units (SBUs), including but not limited to the Automotive and / or Lifestyle SBU, the Digital Transformation Solutions SBU, or the Sales and / or Supply Chain function.

You will report directly to the Director, IP Europe, a senior member of the global IP legal team, and will also work closely and strategically with other members of the legal team to support operational, functional and / or business clients on matters impacting the global enterprise .

We are looking for a highly motivated and independent IP attorney who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate must be able to handle complex negotiations and work independently with minimal supervision.

Experience in reviewing, drafting, and negotiating IP and technology related agreements, IP litigation as well as software related matters is essential.

Strong communication and intercultural skills are required to effectively interface with key customers, suppliers, and external stakeholders in collaboration with legal and compliance leadership in support of Harman's business leaders.

Your Team

This position will work closely and strategically with the senior legal team and support functional and / or SBU clients.

What You Will Do

Managing Legal and Business Risk

• Draft, negotiate, and advise on complex IP agreements including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), development agreements, collaboration agreements, purchasing agreements, and licensing agreements with customers, suppliers, and collaboration partners.
• Advice and counsel business units on a wide range of IP matters, with a particular focus on global IP issues. This includes software-related matters, especially regarding Open-Source Licenses, as well as Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) relating to communication technology.
• Oversee and manage a global patent docket in one or more technology areas, aligned with global guidance and oversight from the global patent operations team and outside patent attorneys.
• Support IP litigation cases and provide advice on litigation strategies.
• Directly interact with product and engineering teams to support new product and project development, ensuring strong IP protection.
• Assist with IP divestitures, mergers, and acquisitions (M&A), and licensing activities.
• Apply strong analytical legal skills and demonstrate risk and compliance awareness when supporting complex projects or making strategic decisions.

What You Need

• The successful candidate will have a degree in law with excellent results and an admission to the bar in Germany or another EU Member State.
• Must be able to demonstrate an analytic and project management skills, task-focused, works on own initiative to get things done and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Exercises excellent judgement and decision making. These roles may take significant roles in broader strategic projects for the IP department.
• 5+ years of relevant (generally in-house or law firm) IP experience.
• Fluent in English and preferably German.

What is Nice to Have

• Experience in the automotive or other highly regulated high-tech industries
• Working in a global matrix organization.
• Experience with software, particularly open source and open source licensing.
• Patent prosecution and patent application processes.

What Makes You Eligible

Be willing to travel up to 10%, domestic and international travel.

What We Offer

• Access to employee discounts on world class HARMAN / Samsung products (JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, etc.).
• Professional development opportunities through HARMAN University’s business and leadership academies.
• Flexible work schedule with a culture encouraging work life integration and collaboration in a global environment.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Be Brilliant employee recognition and rewards program.

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HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.