Are you a technical person looking for a way to leverage your technical knowledge in new strategic and creative directions? Do you like thinking about where Microsoft is heading in the future and applying your technical knowledge to help predict what technologies and competitors will play a role in that future? Do you enjoy the challenge of working and communicating with a wide variety of people? We are looking for a strongly technical person to bring deep subject matter expertise and creative, “big picture” approach to our patent team to help us build the intellectual property portfolio that Microsoft will need for those future scenarios.
Patents are a key element of Microsoft’s strategy - from establishing the value of Microsoft’s longstanding R&D investments through the our patent licensing programs to creating and maintaining industry differentiating intellectual property to augmenting Microsoft’s patent position through targeted licenses, acquisitions, and alliances with industry players. The Innovation & Intellectual Property Group’s (IIPG) Patent Strategy team is an interdisciplinary team at the center of these activities and responsible for creating, maintaining and executing Microsoft’s patent strategy.
We are looking for a unique individual who combines a deep knowledge of a technical area and a passion for creative, strategic thinking about the future of Microsoft with an interest in learning about intellectual property. Ideal candidates will have an interest and curiosity to understand technology markets and the underlying trends driving them. In this role you will work closely with licensing executives, engineers in Microsoft’s various businesses, and patent prosecution and litigation attorneys in support of Microsoft’s patent development, licensing programs, litigation efforts and acquisition efforts. Exemplary responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:
Contributing to IIPG’s strategy development process by applying your technical proficiency and creative problem solving skills to recognize market trends, opportunities and threats
Researching emerging technology areas, including working with Microsoft engineering teams, to identify critical areas of technology that will be important to Microsoft in the near future
Identifying and analyzing patents in Microsoft’s portfolio that may be relevant to technologies that are being deployed widely
Reviewing patent applications during key points of the patent lifecycle to provide detailed guidance on prosecution, international filing decisions, continuations, abandonments, etc. that are necessary to build and maintain our portfolio
Reviewing potential ideas coming from inventors all over Microsoft and providing input on which ones should be patented
Analyzing on patent portfolios that IIPG is evaluating for acquisition to inform its potential value
Evaluating 3rd party patents, when necessary, in support of licensing negotiations or litigation
Managing and reviewing work product of external vendors who provide portfolio analysis services
The Patent team currently has 20+ Patent Engineers with diverse backgrounds and technical expertise. There is an established career path for the Engineers to grow and advance within IIPG, while staying technical.
Desired qualifications:
7-9 years work experience and/or research in ONE of the following technical areas:
1. Search & Ads: search engine technologies, including core search, web crawling/indexing, ranking/relevance, SERP development, local/mobile search, social networks, shopping and ecommerce, and advertising platforms including search and display ads.
2. User Interfaces: Experience in the design, coding and/or testing of technologies that enable people to interact with computers and other devices, including graphical user interfaces and natural user interfaces. A general understanding of traditional human-computer interfaces, inking, speech, and augmented/virtual reality is preferred but not required.
A degree in computer science, computer or electrical engineering or physics or significant work experience in software or hardware development
Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex situations to diverse audiences
Demonstrated outstanding written and verbal communication
Demonstrated advanced knowledge of Excel, proficiency in PowerPoint and ability to ramp quickly on a variety of analytical tools
Demonstrated ability to partner on projects with others, working across organizations
Experience in patent analysis and/or supporting patent licensing activities is desirable but not required
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.
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