Sr. Paralegal, Intellectual Property

Sr. Paralegal, Intellectual Property – Tesla

Tesla is seeking a Senior IP Paralegal to join our Commercial Legal team. In this role you will partner primarily with the IP Legal team to protect and enforce Tesla’s IP rights globally, and as needed support the Supply Chain and Energy Products legal teams for related business units such as Global Supply Chain, Sales and Operations. The successful candidate must have a solid understanding of IP law, including patent and trademark application and filing processes, and must be detail‑oriented and able to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

This position is based in Palo Alto, California.

• Manage IP portfolio data, including patent and trademark application filings.
• Manage IP docket data, including application renewals, office action responses, and generate docket reports for attorneys and internal technical teams.
• Manage internal invention disclosure system, including patent prioritization, and coordinate inventor meetings with outside counsel.
• Manage annuity payments for IP matters and maintain proof‑of‑use catalogs to support trademark applications.
• Serve as on‑site notary for inventor documents and powers of attorney for IP filings.
• Support execution of Tesla standard contracts, including brand licensing and non‑disclosure agreements.
• Manage Commercial legal team budget, invoicing procedures through Legal Tracker, and legal support ticketing system as well as the commercial team mailbox.

• 10+ years of paralegal experience, including specific work with patent data and docketing (experience with IPfolio software strongly preferred).
• Prior in‑house experience.
• Active notary public.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to proactively identify problems and propose pragmatic/creative solutions.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and to juggle competing priorities in a fast‑paced, challenging environment.
• Quick and flexible learner with well‑honed analytical skills, intellectually curious, open‑minded, adaptable, and excited by dynamic change.

Competitive pay & benefits starting day 1: $72,000 – $150,000 / year + cash and stock awards + benefits. Benefits include Aetna PPO/HSA, medical, dental, vision, FSA, 401(k) with match, ESOP, life insurance, health, disability, EAP, paid time off, commuter benefits, employee discounts, and more.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Legal

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