Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property – Patent

Role Overview

• Develop and execute a comprehensive patent portfolio strategy for Perplexity's core technologies, including AI search, retrieval-augmented generation, ranking systems, and enterprise AI infrastructure.
• Lead patent harvesting efforts by conducting regular invention disclosure sessions and working closely with engineering, research, and product teams to identify patentable innovations early in the development cycle.
• Manage the full patent prosecution lifecycle from invention disclosure through filing, prosecution, and grant working with outside patent counsel to ensure quality, efficiency, and strategic alignment.
• Evaluate patent applications for eligibility, novelty, relevance, and detectability to build a portfolio that provides meaningful competitive protection and business value.
• Advise on AI-specific IP considerations, including patentability of AI/ML-implemented inventions, freedom-to-operate analyses, and the evolving USPTO and global regulatory landscape for AI patents.
• Negotiate and manage IP transactions, including patent licenses, cross-licenses, and IP-related provisions in commercial and partnership agreements, working alongside the Commercial (Enterprise) team as needed.
• Build and maintain an open source software compliance program including OSS scanning, risk mitigation, and proper attribution in partnership with Engineering and Security teams.
• Conduct internal training sessions for engineering and product teams on IP best practices, invention identification, and the strategic value of the patent program.
• Monitor the competitive patent landscape and provide strategic intelligence on competitor filings, emerging technology trends, and potential IP risks.
• Establish scalable IP processes, tools, and policies to support Perplexity's rapid growth and expanding global footprint.

Requirements

• A technical undergraduate degree (or equivalent experience), preferably a CE or Computer Science degree.
• 10+ years of relevant experience including experience as in-house counsel in patent preparation and prosecution, strategic portfolio development, foreign filing, and licensing.
• JD and in good standing with an active US state bar membership.
• 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.
• Hands-on attitude to tackle projects large and small, low-ego approach to working across the organization.
• Positive collaborative attitude, comfort with change and a fast pace, high level of integrity, and intellectual curiosity.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Tech Stack

• Open Source

Benefits

• Full-time U.S. employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits program including equity, health, dental, vision, retirement, fitness, commuter and dependent care accounts, and more.
• International employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits program tailored to their region of residence.