Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property

Crusoe

Intellectual Property Counsel leading GDPR function for Crusoe. Collaborating with Engineering, Product, and Business Development to protect and leverage innovations while managing IP risk.

Posted 4/15/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $218,000 - $273,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ApacheCloudOpen Source

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute Crusoe's patent strategy from the ground up. Work closely with Engineering and Product teams to identify patentable innovations, manage outside patent counsel, and build a portfolio that protects Crusoe's core technology advantages.
Lead IP diligence and risk assessment for M&A transactions, strategic partnerships, and major commercial agreements. Advise on IP representations, warranties, and indemnification provisions.
Draft, negotiate, and manage a wide range of IP-related agreements including technology licenses, cross-licenses, IP assignments, and joint development agreements (JDAs).
Advise on the evolving and complex IP landscape surrounding AI-generated content, machine learning models, training data, and AI infrastructure—navigating one of the most consequential areas of modern law.
Develop and manage Crusoe's open source policy and compliance program, ensuring our use and contribution to open source software is strategically sound and legally compliant.
Design and implement programs to identify, protect, and enforce Crusoe's trade secrets and proprietary know-how across our vertically integrated operations.
Monitor the competitive IP landscape, conduct Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) analyses, and advise on design-arounds. Manage IP litigation and disputes in coordination with outside counsel.
Oversee Crusoe's trademark portfolio globally, including clearance, registration, maintenance, and enforcement of the Crusoe brand across all markets.
Build scalable IP processes, playbooks, and internal training programs to help technical teams embed IP protection into their natural workflows.
Serve as a trusted advisor to Engineering, Product, and Business Development, embedding IP strategy into product development and corporate decision-making from the earliest stages.

Requirements

What you’ll need

J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. state. USPTO registration (patent bar) strongly preferred.
8–12+ years of IP legal experience, with a combination of top-tier law firm and in-house experience strongly preferred. Prior experience building or leading an IP function is a significant plus.
A degree or meaningful coursework in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline strongly preferred. You should be comfortable engaging directly with engineers about how our systems and innovations actually work.
Deep experience in patent prosecution, portfolio strategy, and patent litigation management. Familiarity with AI, cloud infrastructure, semiconductor, or energy technology patents is a significant advantage.
Strong drafting and negotiation skills across IP-intensive agreements — licenses, JDAs, NDAs, and M&A-related IP provisions.
A genuine interest in and working knowledge of the rapidly evolving IP issues surrounding artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud infrastructure.
Solid understanding of open source licensing frameworks (GPL, MIT, Apache, etc.) and the strategic and legal implications of open source use and contribution.
The ability to think like a business partner — understanding that the goal of IP is not just legal protection but competitive advantage and commercial value creation.
Exceptional ability to communicate complex IP concepts clearly to engineers, executives, and non-lawyers. You are a trusted advisor, not just a legal gatekeeper.
Comfort building in ambiguity. You are resourceful, self-directed, and energized by the opportunity to create structure where none yet exists.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation and equity packages
Restricted Stock Units
Paid time off, paid holidays & leave of absence programs
Comprehensive health, dental & vision insurance
Employer contributions to HSA account
Paid parental leave
Paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
Professional development & tuition reimbursement
Mental health & wellness support
Commuter benefits (parking & transit)
Cell phone stipend
401(k) Retirement plan with company match up to 4% of salary
Volunteer time off
Global travel insurance & emergency assistance
Daily meals allowance
Additional perks & programs specific to location

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

patent strategyIP diligencerisk assessmentdrafting agreementsnegotiationpatent prosecutionportfolio strategypatent litigation managementopen source licensingFreedom-to-Operate (FTO) analyses

Soft Skills

communicationtrusted advisorbusiness partner mindsetresourcefulnessself-directionability to build structurenegotiation skillscomplex concept explanationcollaborationstrategic thinking

Certifications

J.D.active bar membershipUSPTO registration