Lead Counsel, Product and Intellectual Property

In this role you will lead IP strategy across the product lifecycle, ensuring protection and compliant use of data, models, and technology. You'll partner with Research, Product, Engineering, Operations, and Marketing to mitigate IP risks and enable fast-paced product initiatives. You'll manage Scale's global IP portfolio, support patent and trademark activity, and shape open-source governance and licensing practices. With a deep technical lens, you'll advise on ML, robotics, and other domains while building practical, business-forward solutions. This is a unique chance to influence Scale's AI product strategy and compliance culture at scale.

• health, dental, and vision coverage
• retirement benefits
• learning and development stipend
• generous PTO
• commuter stipend
• equity-based compensation (eligible)

• Lead IP strategy for the product lifecycle from conception to commercialization
• Collaborate with Research, Product, Engineering, Operations, Communications, and Marketing to mitigate IP risks in development, data licensing, and open-source governance
• Manage Scale's worldwide IP portfolio including patents and trademarks; assist in prosecution, registration, and enforcement
• Provide risk guidance on third-party, synthetic, and open-source data/models; design open-source governance policies
• Draft and negotiate commercial agreements involving IP provisions
• Advise on machine learning, robotics, and other technical areas with engagement with technical teams
• Develop and deliver IP and data licensing training to enhance compliance culture

• 5+ years of IP law experience at a top-tier law firm or in-house (ideally product counseling in a high-growth tech company)
• JD and active U.S. state bar membership (California preferred) in good standing
• Strategic thinking at both high-level and detail-oriented levels
• Ability to calibrate risk and communicate clearly to executives, business, and technical audiences
• Collaborative, low-ego approach with cross-functional teams
• Technical fluency and interest in AI, generative AI, and ML technologies

• collaboration
• risk communication
• strategic thinking
• patent prosecution and trademark registration
• open-source governance and data licensing
• ML/AI and machine learning technology familiarity