Intellectual Property Counsel

About the role

3M is seeking an Intellectual Property Counsel to join its global legal team. The role offers the chance to work with innovative colleagues worldwide and to influence the company’s IP strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications on a global scale.
• Handle opposition, inter partes review (IPR), and provide litigation support in IP disputes.
• Serve as the primary contact for business clients, outside counsel, and international colleagues.
• Conduct legal and factual research related to IP matters.
• Provide legal services in dispute management, transaction services, compliance, and advisory functions.
• Work independently on complex and high‑impact matters.
• Deliver legal support to medium to large, complex business units.
• Lead transactional processes for significant transactions.
• Manage litigation and formulate dispute‑resolution strategies.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert beyond a single business unit or country.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start).
• Juris Doctorate degree (completed and verified prior to start).
• Member of a United States bar in good standing and registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
• At least two years of law‑firm and/or in‑house intellectual property experience.
• Exposure to litigation and patent disputes.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications globally.
• Admission to practice in Minnesota or eligibility for admission within six months of employment.
• Strong academic credentials and business acumen.
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills.

Required skills