Junior Patent Attorney

Introduction to the job

ASML is a world leader in the manufacture of advanced technology systems for the semiconductor industry. With over 40,000 people in more than 80 locations worldwide, ASML has an international presence in the semiconductor industry. The ASML group, including Cymer in San Diego, CA, continues to advance light source technologies for both extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and deep ultraviolet (DUV) applications.

Within ASML, the Corporate Intellectual Property (CIP) department is responsible for maximizing ASML’s global IP position to protect and support ASML’s business. In particular, the CIP department strives to preserve freedom to operate for ASML and to establish and maintain a portfolio of IP rights. The CIP department includes about 85 members distributed across four worldwide locations (Veldhoven in the Netherlands; and Wilton, San Diego, and San Jose in the USA).

The CIP department is seeking a qualified patent attorney. This position will be based in San Diego, CA USA and will report to the local senior IP line manager. The San Diego IP team provides services to a corps of scientists, engineers, and management that is driving  ASML’s EUV and Cymer’s DUV light source development. Patent agents meeting the following criteria are also invited to apply.

Job Mission: Establish, prosecute, and maintain a worldwide patent portfolio in the field of light sources for lithography systems. Evaluate and mitigate patent risks from a worldwide perspective. Contribute to the completion of IP-related projects, such as patent portfolio reviews and process updates.

Role and responsibilities

• Actively develop and support management of a global patent portfolio, including assessing invention disclosures, presenting at invention review meetings, and recommending strategic portfolio maintenance.
• Supervise outside counsel to properly prepare and prosecute patent applications, including critically reviewing drafts and providing response suggestions.
• Contribute to the execution of ASML IP strategies, including patent filing and product clearance.
• Interacting with various internal stakeholders (e.g., research, and development and engineering groups) to build a detailed knowledge of current and future ASML products and business goals, align the patent portfolio with the business goals, identify opportunities to establish IP protection, determine existence of patent risks and mitigate such risks.
• Must be legally authorized to access controlled technology, as defined in the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.), prior to beginning work.

Education and experience

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, physics, optics, electrical engineering, or comparable technical field. Advanced degree in one of those fields a plus.
• JD plus state license preferred.
• Must be licensed to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

• 3+ years of experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications and analyzing patentability, non-infringement and freedom to operate.
• Experience in handling IP matters in industry or for industry clients preferred.
• Technical experience in mechanical, optical, mechatronics or similar field preferred.

Skills

• Strong foundational technical knowledge in mechanical systems and materials.
• Ability to conduct detailed technical analysis while maintaining a high-level strategic view.
• Strong analytical and communication skill, including ability to translate and analyze data and to effectively present analysis and propose future action.
• Decisive and self-initiating.
• Ability to work proactively and effectively both independently and in teams with a diverse group of colleagues and internal clients in multiple countries.
• Excellent client service ethics and skills, with an advanced understanding of client relationship-building.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, at least one IP database, and on-line research principles.
• Fluent in English (verbal, reading, and writing).

Other information

Note that this position requires on-site presence in San Diego for at least 3 days per week and occasional international travel.

Pay scales are determined by role, level, location and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors that that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and pay relative to other team members.

ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

Need to know more about applying for a job at ASML? Read our frequently asked questions.

ASML provides reasonable accommodations to applicants for ASML employment and ASML employees with disabilities.  An accommodation is a change in work rules, facilities, or conditions which enable an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform the essential functions of a job, and/or enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete an application, participate in an interview, or otherwise participate in the employee pre-selection process, please send an email to USHR_Accommodation@asml.com to initiate the company’s reasonable accommodation process.

Please note: This email address is solely intended to provide a method for applicants to initiate ASML’s process to request accommodation(s). Any recruitment questions should be directed to the designated Talent Acquisition member for the position.