Director, Intellectual Property

The Director, Intellectual Property , provides comprehensive intellectual property services to Rheem’s global business units, with responsibility for developing and executing commercially aligned patent and trademark strategies, managing procurement and protection of IP assets, counseling business teams, and supporting transactions. This role partners closely with R&D, Product, Marketing, Engineering, and Procurement to integrate practical IP guidance into product development, branding, sourcing, collaborations, and market execution. The Director manages outside counsel and vendors, oversees Rheem’s IP management systems and processes, and supports IP dispute matters in coordination with the legal leadership team.

The position reports to the Assistant General Counsel and supports our Enterprise division in Atlanta, GA (Onsite).

• RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct the delivery of patent and trademark procurement services globally, including identification, assessment, drafting, filing, and prosecution of domestic and foreign applications through outside counsel and agents; establish and maintain processes to acquire and maintain high-value IP assets for Rheem.

• Develop and execute Rheem’s IP strategies to protect innovation and brands, align protection with product and market priorities, and mitigate IP risk, including trade secret protection and clearance programs.

• Conduct and oversee freedom to operate, novelty, and validity searches, analyze results, and provide actionable guidance to business stakeholders; support IP milestone requirements within Rheem’s product development processes.

• Monitor competitor activity and market trends; evaluate third-party IP, advise on risk and enforcement options, and support management of IP disputes and litigation in partnership with legal leadership.

• Provide strategic, business-focused counseling to R&D, Marketing, Engineering, and Procurement on product development, joint development, branding, data and know-how protection, and commercialization strategies.

• Negotiate, draft, and advise on IP agreements and IP provisions in broader commercial agreements, including licenses, joint development agreements, supplier agreements, NDAs, sponsored research, and design services.

• Lead IP diligence and provide IP analysis for mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, and minority investments; advise on IP ownership, scope, assignment, and integration considerations.

• Manage outside counsel and other IP vendors to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services; set clear scopes, budgets, and performance expectations.

• Oversee implementation, use, and continuous improvement of Rheem’s global IP management systems, tools, and workflows; maintain accurate portfolios, docketing, and visibility into asset value and lifecycle.

• Develop and deliver IP training, resources, and templates to enhance IP awareness and compliance; support employee IP agreements and internal IP policies.

• Keep abreast of legal and regulatory developments affecting IP and advise Rheem leadership on practical impacts and recommended responses.

• Collaborate and engage with colleagues across the global law department and business units to ensure coordinated, efficient delivery of IP support.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and Juris Doctor from an accredited law school

• At least 10 years of IP law experience, including business counseling and strategy, IP transactions, and patent drafting and prosecution.

• Licensed to practice law in a US state.

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

• Experience supporting material transactions (M&A, JV, licensing, JDA) and integrating IP considerations into commercial agreements.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated success partnering with global teams.

• Experience with technology relevant to manufacturing and product development.

• Ability to travel to Rheem locations as business needs require.

• Demonstrated collaboration in matrixed, global organizations, with the ability to influence across functions and cultures.

• Strong business acumen and practical judgment, connecting legal strategies to commercial outcomes.

• Proven ability to assess and manage legal risk, communicate complex issues clearly to non-lawyers, and deliver concise, actionable guidance.

• Effective leadership, project management, and delegation skills; ability to drive accountability with external providers.

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