Principal Counsel, Patent Litigation

Job Description

As a company, we challenge industry norms by pushing one another to think creatively about complex questions. Our legal team is no exception. We think critically about the range of legal issues our business faces and act consistent with our culture, one marked by a bias toward action, collaborative work, and candid discussions about smart risks.
The Opportunity
The Netflix Litigation team seeks a unique candidate for an exciting hybrid role combining patent litigation and general commercial litigation. We are looking for an experienced patent litigator who can defend the Company against both patent and non-patent litigation matters, including potentially antitrust, tax, contracts, real estate, consumer products and merchandising, corporate, advertising and product matters. In addition to managing active litigation, this position would also provide pre-litigation counseling on a wide variety of topics. The position is based in Los Gatos, California and reports to the Senior Director, Litigation.
The successful candidate will partner with others on the Litigation team to formulate and set strategy, and then supervise and direct outside counsel to drive that strategy. In the patent arena, the successful candidate will analyze and negotiate licensing requests, review filings, facilitate discovery, and oversee all phases of patent litigation from pre-suit investigation to judgment. The successful candidate will also contribute to Netflix's patent policy advocacy, advise on patent risk, and partner with the product legal team to manage patent risk. This role also will involve close and ongoing collaboration with legal and business executives across the company for non-patent litigation.
Strong risk tolerance, excellent judgment, clear and concise communication, an experienced perspective on patent litigation and patent litigation risk, and an ability to understand and manage multiple internal resources dealing with cutting-edge legal issues are critical in this role. The successful candidate will thrive in an uncomfortably exciting environment, where innovation and curiosity are mandates, and long-term vision and thoughtful judgment are prioritized over corporate processes. The successful candidate will be part of a supportive, fun and hard-working team of lawyers, legal professionals and support staff who work closely together to protect and defend Netflix's interests.
Qualifications
• A JD and be a member of a US state bar with 6+ years experience in patent litigation, with additional experience in patent licensing a plus.
• Meaningful non-patent commercial litigation experience is required.
• A background in computer science or computer engineering and experience with audio/video encoding and internet technologies preferred.
• In-house experience preferred, but not required.
The successful candidate will also have:
• Excellent judgment and concise and candid communication.
• An ability to work proactively and independently.
• Strong and interesting views on patentable innovations and emerging technologies.
• A wicked sense of humor.
Our compensation structure consists solely of an annual salary; we do not have bonuses. You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To determine your personal top of market compensation, we rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to determine your compensation in the market range. The range for this role is $180,000 - $690,000.
Netflix provides comprehensive benefits including Health Plans, Mental Health support, a 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match, Stock Option Program, Disability Programs, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, Family-forming benefits, and Life and Serious Injury Benefits. We also offer paid leave of absence programs. Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation, holidays, and sick paid time off. Full-time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off. See more detail about our Benefits here.
Netflix is a unique culture and environment. Learn more here.
Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-5bbwj7-216-73-216-62-42 in your application.