Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2023 revenue of approximately $9.2 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

Competencies

Responsibilities

Collaborating with both business and technology partners as well as colleagues in Eastman Legal to develop and to implement IP strategy and to address IP issues having cross-functional implications.
Partnering regularly with scientists and engineers to identify patentable subject matter and to develop patent applications.
File and prosecute US applications and supervise OUS firms in filing and prosecution of OUS applications.
Working with IP leadership and client organizations to identify scenarios where freedom to operate assessments are warranted. Conducting freedom to operate assessments focusing on infringement and validity and supervising preparation of legal opinions by outside counsel.
Drafting and negotiating agreements related to intellectual property and protection of company information; negotiating and providing advice regarding IP-related provisions in commercial or other agreements.
Providing clear and informed counseling on IP-related issues to stakeholders engaged in technology, manufacturing, businesses and other functions. This includes, for example, patent vs. trade secret decisions.
Managing administrative and court proceedings challenging patents filed by others as well as defending against challenges to Eastman patents.
Managing prosecution and defense of litigation and other enforcement activities related to patent infringement.

Qualifications

Bachelor Degree in Science or Engineering from an accredited college or university is required. (Chemistry or Chemical Engineering preferred)
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is required
At least five years of Patent and IP attorney experience is required.
Experience supervising IP litigation is preferred by not required.
Significant inhouse corporate IP experience is preferred but not required
Leadership potential is a plus
Registered as Patent Attorney with the US Patent and Trademark Office
Member of a State Bar with expectation to waive into Tennessee Bar
Patent preparation and prosecution
Management of IP litigation
Ability and interest in continuously learning new technological advances
Drafting and negotiation of IP agreements and IP clauses of other agreements
Working knowledge of trade secret law
Internal Communication and Teamwork
Issue spotting, risk assessment and counseling on IP matters
Assessing patentability of inventions as well as evaluating infringement questions and validity regarding other entities’ patents

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

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