Senior Intellectual Property (IP) Counsel

Are you ready to be part of a company that’s not just talking about the future, but actively powering it? Microvast (NASDAQ: MVST) is a global technology innovator specializing in advanced lithium-ion battery solutions for commercial vehicles and energy storage systems. With vertically integrated capabilities spanning battery chemistry, materials, cells, modules, and packs, we are shaping the next generation of electrification.

We are seeking a Senior Intellectual Property (IP) Counsel to help build, strengthen, and protect Microvast’s global IP portfolio. This is a high-visibility role that partners closely with Engineering, R&D, Product, Operations, and executive leadership. If you thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-heavy environment—this role is for you.

What You’ll Be Doing

Patent Strategy & Portfolio Development

• Lead the development, expansion, and protection of Microvast’s global patent portfolio.
• Engage directly with engineering and R&D teams to identify, harvest, evaluate, and prioritize new inventions.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses, patentability evaluations, and strategic portfolio assessments.
• Drive outreach, training, and education for internal teams on invention disclosures, IP protection, trade secrets, and patent filing processes.
• Make strategic decisions regarding foreign filing, continuation practice, and patent claim scope based on emerging technology and competitive trends.
• Ensure proprietary battery technology, materials science innovation, manufacturing processes, and software systems are effectively protected.

Patent Prosecution & Outside Counsel Management

• Direct and manage outside counsel on patent drafting, filing, prosecution, and portfolio maintenance (domestic and international).
• Ensure filings meet Microvast’s technical accuracy, IP strategy, and global compliance requirements.
• Review patent applications and office action responses for quality, accuracy, and strategic alignment.

Technology Transactions & Licensing

• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related commercial agreements including licensing, joint development agreements, OEM/supplier agreements, NDAs, and collaboration contracts.
• Partner with product, commercialization, business development, and procurement teams to ensure strong IP protections in all engagements.
• Support IP valuation, due diligence, and risk analysis for M&A, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.

Cross-Functional IP Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor across R&D, engineering, product development, and executive teams.
• Provide counsel on open-source usage, software licensing, and database licensing requirements.
• Contribute to standards activities, industry workgroups, university partnerships, and technology consortiums as needed.
• Collaborate on development and deployment of internal patent department policies, workflows, and tools.

IP Enforcement, Litigation, & Compliance

• Assist with enforcement activities, including cease-and-desist actions, monitoring of competitor patents, and IP dispute resolution.
• Support litigation strategy (patent, trademark, or trade secret) in coordination with outside counsel.
• Maintain strong internal controls and documentation best practices aligned with public-company compliance requirements.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school with strong academic performance.
• Active U.S. state bar membership; USPTO registration required.
• 10+ years of relevant IP and patent experience, including in-house counsel experience.
• Strong background in:
  • U.S. and foreign patent prosecution
  • Strategic patent portfolio development
  • Technology licensing and IP transactions
  • Invention harvesting and cross-functional IP management
• Technical undergraduate degree or equivalent experience, preferably in:
  • Materials science (Preferred)
  • Electrical engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Chemical engineering
  • Computer engineering / computer science
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex IP issues into practical, business-oriented guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a rapidly evolving environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-tech, EV battery, energy storage, electrification, robotics, advanced materials, semiconductor, or automotive sectors.
• Familiarity with:
  • Generative and applied AI technologies
  • Battery management systems (BMS), cell chemistry, manufacturing processes
  • Software engineering concepts and open-source compliance
• Prior public-company experience, including SOX alignment for IP-related processes.
• Passion for innovation, technology, and continuous learning.
• Mandarin Speaking Preferred.

Why Join Microvast?

• Be part of a mission-driven company shaping the future of electrification and energy storage.
• High-impact role with visibility to senior leadership and direct influence over global innovation strategy.
• Competitive compensation, equity opportunities, and comprehensive benefits.
• Work alongside world-class scientists, engineers, and innovators building next-generation technologies.

Compensation and Benefits

Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Microvast employee, you are eligible for the following benefits:

Expected Compensation

Annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Applicants for employment at Microvast must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Microvast is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran status and disability status, protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Microvast is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

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