Patent Counsel

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It’s a unique legacy of innovation that’s fueled by great technology—and amazing people. Today, we’re tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what’s never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world’s best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you’ll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

NVIDIA’s Legal Department is looking for a dynamic attorney to join us as Patent Counsel. New team members will help build and drive NVIDIA’s patent-related intellectual property with opportunity to collaborate closely with NVIDIA’s other intellectual property, product and commercial attorneys, business leaders, outside counsel, and internal stakeholders to protect and grow our patent portfolio! By providing innovative solutions and effective guidance, the NVIDIA Legal Department helps make NVIDIA the world leader in artificial intelligence, parallel computing, and advanced processing technologies. The work we do impacts some of the most consequential mega-trends in technology today. The ideal candidate is a team player, passionate about technology, eager to learn new skills, and excited about helping NVIDIA continue to innovate and succeed.

What you'll be doing:

• Ensuring NVIDIA’s technology investments are protected by actively participating in the process of obtaining patent protection. You’ll be doing outreach and providing training, education, and counsel to internal clients on patent filing and acquisition, and freedom of action.

• Instructing and directing Outside Counsel on patent application drafting, filing, and prosecution (domestic and foreign) to ensure compliance with NVIDIA guidelines and local laws.

• Making strategic decisions to develop our patent portfolio to proactively meet emerging trends and address changing demands.

• Partnering with other members of the Legal Department on assorted intellectual property related matters, such as assertions, patent portfolio valuation and assessment during transactions and corporate mergers and acquisitions.

• Developing subject matter expertise and driving team client counseling, invention harvesting, and evaluation for specific IP-active areas.

• Participating in and providing counsel for NVIDIA contributions to Standards Setting Organizations, University Collaborations, Industry Workgroups, and Technology Conferences.

• Collaborating on development and deployment of Patent Department policies, practices, and tools.

What we need to see:

• A technical undergraduate degree (or equivalent experience), preferably a CE or Computer Science degree.

• 6+ years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution.

• A J.D. degree with a record of strong academic performance and a license to practice law in California.

• Registration to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills: written and verbal, organizational abilities, and attested attention to detail.

• Ability to navigate and break down complex legal issues into actionable advice covering a broad range of interdependent issues, balance risk with business need, and ask tough questions.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Previous in-house experience in a high-tech industry with portfolio management and technology licensing.

• Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications to issuance in: generative and applied artificial intelligence frameworks and deep learning model architectures, software engineering, chip or circuit design, advanced computing and networking technologies, and autonomous robotics and vehicles.

• A passion for innovation, technology, strategic thinking, and continuous learning.

• Foreign filing experience.

• Strong understanding of open source software and database licenses.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers! We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and if you're creative and autonomous, we want to hear from you!

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 192,000 USD - 304,750 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until April 12, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy. 

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.