Aortic Business Unit IP Champion

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



The Medical Products Division of W.L. Gore & Associates 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 to a specific Business Unit (e.g., Aortic, Peripheral, New Ventures, GSP), and will play an active role in championing the IP efforts for that Business Unit. To that end, the Business Unit IP Champion and will be responsible for the identification, coordination, and timely resolution of intellectual property issues impacting the Business Unit. This position will serve a variety of functional teams within the Business Unit and the Division, including: Engineering, Technology, Marketing, Sales, Product Specialist, Segment Leadership, Legal, and Divisional Leadership. As well, this role will entail interaction with outside inventors, some of whom may be clinician customers, and/or the undertaking of 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, 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) are being fulfilled;
Conducting IP training and instruction;
Supporting Inventors throughout the patent application process;
Helping inventors and the Business Unit prepare "GINK" 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;
Drafting patent applications, including patent claims, in conjunction with the Legal Team;
Performing competitive intellectual property analyses; and,
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. An understanding of Gore's technology, competitive technologies, and their potential application to the markets in which we compete is important; as is previous experience productively interfacing with clinicians and/or Gore customers.

The successful candidate should have detailed knowledge of or the ability to learn in detail Patent Laws and Regulations, and should 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, with at least five years of practical experience is preferred. Knowledge of catheter-based systems and minimally-invasive endovascular therapies is desirable. A graduate degree is a plus; however, relevant work experience may be an adequate substitute for academic credentials.



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