Managing Counsel – Data, Technology, and Intellectual Property

Overview

Who we are

Toyota Legal One (“TL1”) is the team of highly experienced in-house attorneys who provide full service legal support to Toyota Motor North America and its affiliates. TL1 seeks diverse top-caliber team members who are committed to challenging the status quo and sustaining our success through continuous improvement and respect for people. 

Toyota does not offer support or sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this role now or in the future. You must have the right to work in the United States and not require Toyota support or sponsorship for immigration-related employment (e.g., H-1B, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, TN, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, TN, 'job flexibility benefits' (also known as I-140 or Adjustment of Status portability), etc. now or in the future. You should not apply for this role if you will require Toyota to assist with immigration support or sponsorship now or in the future.

Who we’re looking for

The Mobility Advisory Solutions IP Strategy group (“MAS-IP”) of TL1 is an intellectual property group that has been on the forefront of Toyota’s transformation into a mobility company.  MAS-IP is seeking an experienced patent attorney with experience with data and technology transactions to join MAS-IP as Managing Counsel. This is a great opportunity for an entrepreneurial, passionate and proactive collaborator to work closely with various divisions and stakeholders within Toyota to protect, manage and maximize the value of Toyota’s patents and trade secrets and assist in a variety of innovative transactions and new business opportunities. 

The successful candidate will be part of an exciting and diverse team that works side-by-side with our clients to manage and build Toyota’s intellectual property portfolio, draft and negotiate data and technology commercial agreements, and advise on IP risks in complex transactions.

MAS-IP is closely involved in the development and launch of new products and services at Toyota. We also partner in initiatives that influence Toyota’s new businesses that raise challenging questions and require creative and practical legal advice.

This role will report to Assistant General Counsel of MAS-IP and will be involved with and potentially lead intellectual property projects and initiatives that are highly visible and have broad implications for Toyota’s global operations.

This position is based in Plano, Texas. The selected candidate will be expected to reside within commutable distance of this location.

What you’ll be doing

• Oversee and assist with patent filings, prosecution and patent maintenance activities to create strategic intellectual property positions to advance Toyota’s business initiatives.

• Support inventors with patent filings, including conducting invention harvesting sessions and performing patentability assessments and invention intake reviews.

• Draft, review, and negotiate data and technology agreements, including licensing agreements, joint development agreements, and IP management agreements.

• Provide support to the TL1 Litigation teams on data, technology, and IP related litigation matters.

• Support transactions with significant IP components, including M&A, financings, joint ventures, and restructurings through IP due diligence and risk assessment.

• Identify risks and provide legal advice, counsel and support about relevant IP, data and technology business strategies in an agile business environment, working closely with business leads and executives in North America as well as with affiliates, including our parent company in Japan, Toyota Motor Corporation.

• Provide training and guidance to business teams on intellectual property matters.

• Work closely with global affiliates to maintain strategic alignment for global and regional patent filing activity and patent portfolio management.

• Proactively learn and work on emerging technologies involving mobility, electrification, autonomous driving, AI, ride/car-sharing, infrastructure, energy management, data connectivity, privacy, cross-border data-related transactions, and other advanced technology areas.

What you bring

• J.D. degree and active membership in good standing in the bar of at least one U.S. state/jurisdiction.

• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

• A minimum of 10 years of solid patent practice experience, working preferably in a major law firm and/or a multinational corporation.

• Experience with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating data and technology agreements.

• Demonstrated experience in working as part of a cross-functional or culturally diverse team, including working across multiple time zones and languages, and cultures.

• Team player with an ability to work autonomously.

• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time both domestically and internationally for “genchi genbutsu” (go and see the actual issue with your own eyes) to understand the “genba” (actual place of work) and work closely with the business teams on the front line of each matter.

Added bonus if you have

• Experience working in the automotive, technology or mobility industry.

• Experience in complex joint ventures, corporate governance, technology, manufacturing, marketing, and supply chain, bankruptcy, regulatory, or compliance matters.

• Experience working in a dynamic international environment.

• Japanese or other bilingual language capabilities.

• Previous in-house experience, including management and supervision of outside counsel, internal budgets, and project coordination.

What We’ll Bring

During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility and respect

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement

• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount

• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable)

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family

• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute

• Paid holidays and paid time off

• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more

• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA)

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations? Please send an email to [email protected].