Assistant General Counsel VP, Intellectual Property

We, at H.B. Fuller, embrace a shared set of beliefs and competencies that direct the way we operate and express our fundamental principles about how we will achieve success. We strive to hire talent that demonstrates our beliefs and our competencies.

The Assistant General Counsel VP, Intellectual Property reports to the General Counsel and has primary, global responsibility for the development, protection, enforcement, and strategic use of the Company’s intellectual property assets, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and related IP rights worldwide.

This role provides strategic legal counsel to senior leadership, leads the global IP function, and manages an attorney, a patent agent, patent coordinators, IP paralegals, and a law/billing clerk. The role is responsible for managing external IP professionals and related budgets globally, including filing/prosecution, maintenance/renewals, and oppositions/conflicts. This position represents a significant legal leadership contribution directly to senior leadership and demonstrates enterprise-wide leadership capability.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead Global Intellectual Property Strategy and Governance (45–55%)

• Define and implement a global IP strategy aligned with business objectives; oversee policies, processes, and standards for IP creation, protection, and use
• Develop and manage an in-house IP team of experts
• Proactively provide business unit reviews for patents, trade secrets, and trademarks to effectively manage spend while optimizing value
• Maintain trade secret and formula security policies
• Deliver tailored global training programs on patents, trademarks, and trade secrets
• Provide legal advice on IP risks and opportunities, including non-infringement and invalidity assessments
• Counsel on and implement IP holding structures and intercompany licensing globally

Draft and Negotiate IP-Related Agreements (20–30%)

• Lead licensing and joint development agreements
• Support non-IP attorneys with IP provisions in commercial agreements (e.g., supply, contract manufacturing) to protect Company IP and mitigate risk

Manage IP-Related Conflicts and Litigation Globally (10–20%)

• Oversee global IP disputes, oppositions, and enforcement strategies
• Partner with legal teams to address IP risks and protect Company assets in commercial activities

Support M&A IP Due Diligence and Integration (10–20%)

• Customize IP due diligence strategies and advise on deal risk mitigation
• Set integration strategies to ensure effective understanding and utilization of acquired IP

Minimum Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) with USPTO registration (U.S.) or licensed Patent Attorney qualified for EPO practice (Germany/Portugal)
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 14+ years of progressive experience in intellectual property law, including significant in-house experience
• Demonstrated expertise in patents, trademarks, IP transactions, and IP risk management in a global business environment
• Fluent in English
• Active bar membership in good standing (or equivalent jurisdiction)
• Strong leadership, communication, judgment, and strategic decision-making skills

Preferred Requirements

• Proven ability to manage global patent portfolios across multiple jurisdictions
• Expertise navigating intellectual property considerations in emerging markets
• Strong track record of leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams
• Technical acumen in adhesive chemistry or related field
• Recognized as a strategic and collaborative business partner
• Skilled in advising executive leadership and Boards on IP strategy, M&A, and risk

#LI-MM1

#LI-Hybrid