This job has closed.

Destination 2D · 1 day ago

In-house IP Counsel

San Francisco Bay Area

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level

7+ years exp

Destination 2D is a nanotechnology process and equipment startup focused on graphene interconnects for next-generation logic and memory chips. They are seeking an in-house IP Counsel to manage a global patent portfolio and shape IP strategies that support rapid growth in the semiconductor industry.

ManufacturingSemiconductor

Hiring Manager

Ravi Iyengar

Responsibilities

Develop, refine, and execute a global IP strategy aligned with the company’s roadmap for graphene-based interconnects, semiconductor equipment, and process technologies

Manage the full patent lifecycle: invention harvesting, prior art analysis, drafting and prosecution oversight, portfolio pruning, and maintenance across multiple jurisdictions

Work with external patent counsel worldwide, providing technical and strategic direction on filings, office actions, oppositions, and appeals

Conduct freedom-to-operate (FTO), patentability, and landscape analyses in areas such as CMOS-compatible graphene synthesis, BEOL integration, and advanced interconnect architectures

Support and structure IP aspects of commercial agreements, NDAs, joint development agreements, and collaborations with foundries, equipment partners, and research institutions

Establish and maintain internal processes and training to encourage invention disclosure, safeguard trade secrets, and promote IP awareness across the organization

Qualification

JDEquivalent law degreeActive bar membershipPatent counseling experiencePatent prosecutionTechnical degreePortfolio managementPatent strategyCommunication skills

Required

JD or equivalent law degree and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with eligibility to practice as in-house counsel in California

7+ years of post-qualification experience focused on patent counseling and strategy, with significant work on semiconductor, materials, or deep-tech hardware portfolios

Strong background in patent prosecution and portfolio management for complex technologies, including experience coordinating filings across the USPTO, EPO, and major Asian patent offices

Demonstrated experience handling portfolios of 100+ patents or applications, including prioritization, budget management, and aligning filings with product and business strategy

Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate between highly technical R&D concepts and clear, actionable legal and business guidance for a fast-paced startup environment

Preferred

Technical degree (B.S., M.S., or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related field strongly preferred, ideally with exposure to IC fabrication, interconnects, or advanced materials

Benefits

Opportunity to define and own the IP function at a fast-growing semiconductor startup pioneering CMOS-compatible graphene interconnects at industrial scale.

Direct collaboration with world-class technologists, inventors, and semiconductor industry leaders working at the forefront of next-generation interconnect and equipment technologies.

Competitive compensation package with meaningful influence on the strategic direction and long-term value of the company’s IP assets.