Lead Counsel (Product and Intellectual Property)

• Come join our legal team to work on the most exciting legal, policy, and operational issues at the leading edge of AI
• As product counsel, you will advise on all legal aspects of product development, launch, and operations - including regulatory compliance, user terms, and risk management - while bringing deep expertise in your specialized legal area
• Strategic Product Advice: Lead IP strategy for product development, embedding IP protection into the full product lifecycle from conception to commercialization, while also advising on related product and regulatory matters in collaboration with the broader legal team
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Research, Product, Engineering, Operations, Communications, and Marketing teams to mitigate IP risks in product development, data licensing, and open-source governance
• IP Counsel: Support management of Scale’s worldwide IP portfolio including patents and trademarks; assist with patent prosecution and trademark registration and enforcement
• Risk Mitigation: Advise on third-party, synthetic, and open-source data and models, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements; design open-source governance policies
• Agreements: Support drafting and negotiation of commercial agreement provisions involving intellectual property
• Specialized Expertise: Provide counsel on machine learning, robotics, and other technical areas, with ability to engage effectively with technical teams on complex engineering and product issues
• Training: Develop and deliver IP and data licensing training to enhance Scale’s compliance culture
• This role reoprts to the Associate General Counsel, IP & Product

Benefits

• Health & Wellbeing: Our holistic approach to supporting Scaliens includes comprehensive health coverage, dental and vision insurance, mental healthcare services, and more. PTO policies and accommodating schedules ensure you’ll get time off when you need it to relax and recharge. Note that our offerings may vary by region as we strive to respond to the unique needs of Scaliens around the globe.
• Personal & Career Growth: Continuously learn and grow through annual learning & development stipend, attending leadership breakfasts, manager training, speaker series, and joining an ERG.
• Building Scale Community: We welcome guests to our offices, and you can expect to see Scalien families and friends around. Join local happy hours, and accept invites to game nights, book clubs, and many other employee-led community events.
• Parental Support: Balancing work and family is essential, and Scale understands the importance of having adequate leave policies in place to promote a healthy home and work life.- We’re seeking strong product lawyers with specialized expertise in intellectual property law
• The ideal candidate will have deep subject matter expertise in intellectual property law, a technology background, and a demonstrable history of providing practical product counsel to solve complex, time-sensitive problems in close partnership with cross-functional teams
• Education: JD and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar (California preferred) in good standing
• Collaboration: Roll-up-your-sleeves attitude to tackle projects large and small with a low-ego, collaborative approach across the organization
• Agility and Organization: Ability to think quickly in a fast-paced environment with excellent organizational and communication skills
• Technical Fluency: Deep interest in artificial intelligence, generative AI, and machine learning technology, with the ability to engage effectively with technical teams
• Risk Calibration: Ability to calibrate risk, distinguish business from legal risk, and communicate it clearly to executive, business, and technical audiences
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically at a high level and from deep in the details to drive complex problem-solving and develop creative, business-forward solutions
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in intellectual property law at a top-tier law firm and/or in-house legal department (ideally product counseling within a high-growth technology company). Experience advising on broader product or regulatory matters is a plus