Assistant General Counsel VP, Intellectual Property

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2024 revenue of $3.6 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,500 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets. Learn more at www.hbfuller.com.We, at H.B. Fuller, embrace a shared set of beliefs and competencies that direct the way we operate and express our fundamental principles about how we will achieve success. We strive to hire talent that demonstrates our beliefs and our competencies.The Assistant General Counsel VP, Intellectual Property reports to the General Counsel and has primary, global responsibility for the development, protection, enforcement, and strategic use of the Company’s intellectual property assets, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and related IP rights worldwide.This role provides strategic legal counsel to senior leadership, leads the global IP function, and manages an attorney, a patent agent, patent coordinators, IP paralegals, and a law/billing clerk. The role is responsible for managing external IP professionals and related budgets globally, including filing/prosecution, maintenance/renewals, and oppositions/conflicts. This position represents a significant legal leadership contribution directly to senior leadership and demonstrates enterprise-wide leadership capability.Primary ResponsibilitiesLead Global Intellectual Property Strategy and Governance (45–55%)Define and implement a global IP strategy aligned with business objectives; oversee policies, processes, and standards for IP creation, protection, and useDevelop and manage an in-house IP team of expertsProactively provide business unit reviews for patents, trade secrets, and trademarks to effectively manage spend while optimizing valueMaintain trade secret and formula security policiesDeliver tailored global training programs on patents, trademarks, and trade secretsProvide legal advice on IP risks and opportunities, including non-infringement and invalidity assessmentsCounsel on and implement IP holding structures and intercompany licensing globallyDraft and Negotiate IP-Related Agreements (20–30%)Lead licensing and joint development agreementsSupport non-IP attorneys with IP provisions in commercial agreements (e.g., supply, contract manufacturing) to protect Company IP and mitigate riskManage IP-Related Conflicts and Litigation Globally (10–20%)Oversee global IP disputes, oppositions, and enforcement strategiesPartner with legal teams to address IP risks and protect Company assets in commercial activitiesSupport M&A IP Due Diligence and Integration (10–20%)Customize IP due diligence strategies and advise on deal risk mitigationSet integration strategies to ensure effective understanding and utilization of acquired IPMinimum RequirementsJuris Doctor (J.D.) with USPTO registration (U.S.) or licensed Patent Attorney qualified for EPO practice (Germany/Portugal)Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent experience)Minimum 14+ years of progressive experience in intellectual property law, including significant in-house experienceDemonstrated expertise in patents, trademarks, IP transactions, and IP risk management in a global business environmentFluent in EnglishActive bar membership in good standing (or equivalent jurisdiction)Strong leadership, communication, judgment, and strategic decision-making skillsPreferred RequirementsProven ability to manage global patent portfolios across multiple jurisdictionsExpertise navigating intellectual property considerations in emerging marketsStrong track record of leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teamsTechnical acumen in adhesive chemistry or related fieldRecognized as a strategic and collaborative business partnerSkilled in advising executive leadership and Boards on IP strategy, M&A, and riskPay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location.The salary for this role is $265,000 - $295,000.In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognitions programs, health & wellness benefits, 401K contributions, paid time off and paid holidays. Eligibility may vary.H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.