Patent Attorney

Xero is a beautiful, easy-to-use platform that helps small businesses and their accounting and bookkeeping advisors grow and thrive.

At Xero, our purpose is to make life better for people in small business, their advisors, and communities around the world. This purpose sits at the centre of everything we do. We support our people to do the best work of their lives so that they can help small businesses succeed through better tools, information and connections. Because when they succeed they make a difference, and when millions of small businesses are making a difference, the world is a more beautiful place.

**How you’ll make an impact**

You will play a key role in executing Xero’s patent strategy. You’ll take responsibility for growing our patent portfolio and supporting the global IP function in overseeing operational patent work. You will raise internal enthusiasm and awareness of patents and other technology-related IP within the business.

**What you’ll do**:

- Liaise with Xero’s external patent advisors, within budget.
- Support the GM Intellectual Property in executing on Xero’s global patent strategy
- Partner with our Product and Technology teams to provide early IP advice and grow our pipeline of new invention disclosures.
- Provide engaging and empowering training to our Xeros on IP topics.
- Provide support in matters involving third party patent rights including assisting with licensing and litigation matters.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the business.
- Assist the legal team and extended business with day-to-day IP queries.

**What you’ll bring with you - Critical competencies**:

- Strong analytical skills
- Growth mindset
- Flexible and able to join a fast-paced & global environment
- Excellent communication skills
- A passion for new technology The ability to build strong networks, including remotely
- A great sense of humor The ability to engage with and teach others

**What you’ll bring with you - Experience**:

- Experience, or a degree, in computer science/programming, physics, or related fields.
- Registered patent attorney or patent agent (NZ, AU, US, EU, UK) with 4-10+ years of experience
- A law degree is desirable, but not critical

Xero prides itself on living its values, one being #human. In your cover letter outlining why this role is a great fit for you please also address how you would bring #human to the role.

Our collaborative and inclusive culture is one we’re immensely proud of. We know that a diverse workforce is a strength that enables businesses, including ours, to better understand and serve customers, attract top talent and innovate successfully. At Xero we embrace diversity and inclusion and value a #challenge mindset.

Xero is an NZ Immigration Accredited Employer and Rainbow Tick certified too.