Patent Engineer

An empty treadmill isn't compelling, but once someone steps on it, the stories are limitless. Our goal is to connect people emotionally to their fitness journey. We are a global team coming from different cultures and backgrounds with a shared passion to achieve and live our mission of inspiring healthier lives.
Inspire. Innovate. Make an impact and join our team!
As the Intellectual Property Engineer, you will assist with the strategic IP efforts of Life Fitness's Product Development and Engineering team. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer interested in focusing on intellectual property while maintaining a strong knowledge of product lines and associated industry technologies to inform IP generation and management work.
The individual will work closely with a diverse and talented group of engineers to build Life Fitness's patent portfolio, including identifying patentable inventions, aiding engineers in drafting invention disclosures, and conducting research and analysis needed to protect IP, including analysis of competitive patents. The role will work both with internal stakeholders as well as external patent attorneys.
Responsibilities

• Facilitate IP interactions across full range of development projects
• Lead patentability searches, clearance investigations
• Monitor patent filing, office actions, issuances
• Disposition patent active status based on strategic plan per fee schedule checkpoints
• Maintain ongoing visibility to IP landscape throughout the fitness industry
• Track published applications, issued patents; monitor new technologies, trends
• Review competitive product; evaluate patented designs
• Track abandoned or expired patents; identify opportunities
• Maintain IP Repository
• Update company IP portfolio; facilitate updates to marketing claims
• Streamline interactions with patent attorneys
• Review external IP submissions
• Oversee LF patent incentive program implementation
• Monitor IP budget

Experience

• 3-6 years of experience in product development (electro-mechanical systems a plus)
• Experience with intellectual property preferred (inventorship, review, interpretation)

Skills

• Knowledge of patents strongly recommended (structure, claims, families, terms, claim chart analysis)
• Detail oriented
• Solid multitasking ability
• High level systems understanding of electro-mechanical systems (exercise products a plus)
• Strong technical skills, preferably knowledgeable across several functional areas
• Excellent organization and communication skills
• Must be capable of working independently and as part of a team

Education

• BS Engineering required (Mechanical or Electrical preferred)
• Patent Agent Exam a plus

Want to take the next step in your career?
Life Fitness takes pride in our talented employees and believe in providing opportunities for further growth and advancement. We encourage you to test your strengths, push your limits and unleash your potential.
If you feel the open position you see is right for you, we invite you to apply.
Learn more about us here.
Life Fitness does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors.
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