Counsel, Global Patents

The Kraft Heinz Company

Provide legal counsel for R&D at Kraft Heinz, ensuring protection of innovations and intellectual property. Advise on patent strategies, conduct analysis, and manage agreements in a hybrid work environment.

Posted 5/20/2026full-timeGlenview • Illinois, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $141,500 - $176,900 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide legal counsel to the R&D organization for protecting innovations
Serve as the primary legal resource for designated business units within R&D
Advise R&D on intellectual property protection strategies including patent preparation
Drive strategic patent filing decisions aligned with business priorities
Draft, review, and negotiate R&D-related agreements
Conduct freedom‑to‑operate reviews for new technologies
Develop and deliver intellectual property related training for R&D stakeholders
Manage and oversee outside counsel for cost-effective legal support

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials
Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Science or technology background in chemistry, biology, engineering, or a related field
3+ years of legal experience with in-house experience preferred
Experience preparing and prosecuting chemical and packaging-related patent applications
Experience negotiating R&D agreements and advising on their appropriate use
Experience conducting freedom‑to‑operate analyses and assessing third‑party patent risk

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental and vision coverage
7% 401(k) matching
Business Resource Groups (BRGs) for diversity, inclusion, and belonging
Industry-leading total rewards package with high discretionary bonus
Coverage for employees and their eligible dependents through affordable access to healthcare
Events, resources, and learning opportunities for physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

patent preparationfreedom-to-operate reviewsnegotiating agreementspreparing patent applicationsprosecuting patent applicationsconducting freedom-to-operate analysesassessing third-party patent risk

Soft Skills

legal counselstrategic decision-makingtraining developmentstakeholder management

Certifications

Juris Doctorregistered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office