Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life‑changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Our locations in Plymouth, MN or St. Paul, MN currently have an opportunity for a Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property.
This position supports Abbott’s Structural Heart business, including technologies such as transcatheter heart valves and structural heart repair systems like MitraClip. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and directing a diverse set of intellectual property issues within the Structural Heart Operating Division.
Preferred Technical Background:
A strong scientific or engineering degree that enables the candidate to work confidently in the Structural Heart medical device space.
Technical Skills:
The successful candidate will possess strong knowledge of patent law and have a history of success advising clients on intellectual property issues, building competitive IP portfolios, and clearing products in the medical device or similar space. Relevant experience with software/digital products is a plus. A working knowledge of patent law in major jurisdictions outside the U.S., experience with adversarial USPTO and/or European Patent Office proceedings, patent litigation experience, and transactional experience are preferred.
Core Job Responsibilities Include:
- Strategically developing Abbott’s worldwide patent portfolio, including managing domestic and OUS outside counsel.
- Reviewing outside counsel work product for methodology, strategy, and cost alignment.
- Managing invention pipeline: soliciting disclosures, conducting inventor interviews, and presenting to cross‑functional patent committees.
- Conducting in‑depth analyses of competitor products and IP portfolios.
- Delivering employee training on IP protection and confidentiality best practices.
- Assisting internal and external counsel on IP litigation matters.
- Conducting IP due diligence for potential mergers, acquisitions, and investment opportunities.
- Collaborating with commercial legal counsel on licenses, agreements, and IP transactional matters.
- Providing strategic advice on marketing and promotional materials.
Location of Position:
Plymouth, MN or St. Paul, MN.
Training / Experience Required:
- 7+ years of patent law practice (law firm or corporate)
- Admitted to and in good standing with (i) a U.S. state bar and (ii) the USPTO
- Strong commercial and legal judgment with ability to manage multiple projects
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, strategic thinking, and organizational skills
- JD from an accredited law school
Critical Success Factors:
Sound Judgment — Provides timely, risk‑balanced, actionable advice supporting Abbott’s business objectives.
Resourceful — Integrates information across legal, technical, and business resources in a complex, global environment.
Anticipation — Anticipates legal, regulatory, and business shifts and adjusts strategy proactively.
Influencing Skills — Builds strong relationships and influences effectively in cross‑functional settings.
The base pay for this position is
$149,300.00 – $298,700.00In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.
EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf
EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf