Director, Intellectual Property (Patent Specialist)

Department: FinanceReports to: Head of Legal – Arc’teryx & Amer Sports IP DirectorLocation: Hybrid, on-site and/or remote – Vancouver (preferred) Or Portland. This role requires periodic travel between Vancouver HQ, the Portland Footwear Office, and other Arc'teryx and Amer Sports locations and events.

Your Opportunity at ARC'TERYX: As the Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer for Arc’teryx, you will serve as a key member of IP Team making significant contributions to the advancement and development of Arc’teryx valuable intellectual property asset. You will help lead IP strategy globally for our design and product-led company, working closely with our Advanced Concepts and product development teams on cutting-edge innovations that push the boundaries of outdoor performance. You will work as an integral part of the IP Team in developing and supporting the IP needs of the Arc’teryx brand including trademark and patent prosecution.  This position offers an exceptional opportunity for the "new type of in-house lawyer" – entrepreneurial, business-oriented, and excited to help shape the future of IP protection at a lean, fast-growing brand. You will have the potential to build and lead a team as our function scales, while establishing yourself as a trusted advisor who translates complex IP concepts into actionable business guidance. This is a unique opportunity to work with amazing people on cool innovations, operating with the IP Team to determine what's best for Arc'teryx's competitive advantage.

This role is based in our Vancouver (preferred) or Portland offices and is open to hybrid remote work. Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada (preferred) or the United States.

Meet Your Future Team: Legal sits within the Finance Organization at Arc'teryx as well as the Global Amer Sports IP Legal Team. We are dedicated to providing strategic legal advice and IP protection across all departments, fostering a collaborative culture that drives innovation. You will work closely as part of the Amer Sports IP team, and add to the dedicated Amer Sports IP Team including patent counsel, trademark specialists, and brand protection resources across a portfolio of world-class outdoor and sporting goods brands. We work together to protect Arc'teryx's groundbreaking innovations and iconic brand, ensuring compliance while propelling the business forward with cutting-edge IP strategies that support Arc'teryx's mission to create the highest quality products for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide

If you were in the Intellectual Property Lawyer role now, here are some of the core activities you would be doing:

• Leading, with the IP Team, implementation and optimization of IP strategy for Arc'teryx globally, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights across all product categories and markets
• Working closely as an integral part of the IP Team to support all of Arc’teryx’ IP needs and leveraging shared resources and systems for maximum efficiency.
• Being an effective team member and including the ability to lead projects
• Overseeing patent portfolio management, including invention disclosure programs, prosecution strategy, and portfolio optimization to maximize competitive advantage
• Providing proficiency in patent prosecution and trademark prosecution services as needed.
• Managing trademark strategy and brand protection initiatives, including combating counterfeit products and unauthorized uses of Arc'teryx's iconic marks
• Working closely with Advanced Concepts, product design, and Footwear teams as a hands-on partner — getting into the weeds on materials, construction, and innovation to identify, evaluate, and protect breakthrough ideas before they reach market
• Advising on IP infringement matters, conducting freedom-to-operate analyses, and managing IP disputes to protect Arc'teryx's interests
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating IP-related agreements including licenses, development agreements, collaboration agreements, and strategic partnerships
• Building and managing relationships with external IP counsel and service providers to deliver exceptional value while controlling costs
• Developing and refining IP processes and workflows, demonstrating proficiency with IP Management Systems to manage and optimize tracking of IP assets, renewals, and annuities
• Managing the IP budget and delivering measurable value through strategic prioritization and data-driven decision making
• Contributing to Arc'teryx's competitive advantage through strategic IP positioning and portfolio development
• Building IP awareness across the organization to embed IP thinking into business operations

Here are some of the things you could be working on in the future:

• Building and helping to lead the IP team as the function scales to support Arc'teryx's global expansion
• Shaping and implementing Arc'teryx's global IP strategy as the brand expands into new markets and product categories
• Working on cutting-edge outdoor product innovations with world-class designers and engineers on breakthrough technologies
• Driving AI and technology-related IP initiatives as digital innovation becomes increasingly important to outdoor products
• Contributing to strategic business development, partnerships, and acquisitions that leverage IP assets for competitive advantage
• Establishing Arc'teryx as an IP leader in the outdoor and apparel industry through thought leadership and strategic positioning
• Integrating artificial intelligence into IP practices.

Are you our next Intellectual Property Lawyer?

• You have a law degree (J.D. or L.L.B.) or equivalent
• You are a member in good standing with the Canadian provincial bar (preferred), or with a U.S. state bar
• You are a Registered Patent Attorney or Agent (preferred but not required)
• You have 5+ years of IP experience.
• You have expertise across patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and IP licensing
• You have experience prosecuting patent applications and trademark applications
• You have experience working with IP management tools
• You have experience working closely with product development and R&D teams
• You have strong business acumen and the ability to translate IP risk into actionable business guidance
• You have experience in retail, apparel, outdoor, or consumer goods industries (preferred)
• You have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to explain complex IP concepts to non-technical stakeholders

CAD 149,000 - 205,000 a year

Equal Opportunity

Arc’teryx is committed to actively creating and fostering a culture of inclusivity where voices are heard, people are seen, and values are respected. We care about the uniqueness of our applicants, employees, and guests, and we do so in a safe space fueled by curiosity and acceptance. 

Creating an inclusive workplace is connected to our core value Do Right while also having the added benefit of helping make our business better. We believe inclusion helps us to create a healthier, happier workplace, drive creativity and innovation, and reflect the communities where we operate.  

All applicants, employees, and guests can expect equality of opportunity and fair treatment in alignment with our values.

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