Crypto IP Counsel

Full-time

Company Description

Square builds common business tools in unconventional ways so more people can start, run, and grow their businesses. When Square started, it was difficult and expensive (or just plain impossible) for some businesses to take credit cards. Square made credit card payments possible for all by turning a mobile phone into a credit card reader. Since then Square has been building an entire business toolkit of both hardware and software products including Square Capital, Square Terminal, Square Payroll, and more. We’re working to find new and better ways to help businesses succeed on their own terms—and we’re looking for people like you to help shape tomorrow at Square.

Job Description

Square is seeking a well-rounded attorney with a passion for IP and crypto-technology to join our legal organization. As a member of the legal IP team, you will primarily manage the operations and execution of the mission of the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA), which was recently founded by Square. This is a unique role that will combine IP, legal, and business skills to help advance and implement COPA’s mission -- to create open access to patents covering foundational cryptocurrency technologies to empower the crypto community to grow, freely innovate, and build new and better products. In addition to being the COPA operations lead, you will be responsible for all-things crypto within Square’s IP operations.

Qualifications

In this role, you will:

Be the expert on both the technology and IP legal aspects of crypto technology within the team.
Be the operations lead for COPA, which will require working with the COPA Board, our external law firm, Square’s legal team members, and COPA’s member organizations to drive and execute COPA’s mission. This will require you to wear multiple business and legal hats for a variety of tasks, including helping run COPA’s board meetings, working with the board to execute and run strategy, be the voice within the membership community, driving membership recruiting efforts, ensuring compliance among members within COPA’s objectives, managing and supporting third-party IP disputes that may result from members’ use of COPA’s shared library, managing COPA’s business and accounting practices, attending to COPA’s board governance matters, etc.
Be the source of knowledge on judicial, legislative, and industry/community developments relating to defensive patent aggregation, patent pools, and any such alternative licensing agreements, and be connected with various relevant trade or patent organizations to collaborate and further promote COPA’s mission.

You have:

JD degree and membership in at least one state bar.
Undergraduate degree in a technical field, preferably in computer science.
Strong technical depth in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.
5+ years of experience with patent portfolio management, patent litigation, and/or patent licensing.
Experience running operations at a project or organization level.
Desire to engage with and be the voice of COPA within the crypto community.
Excellent legal writing, negotiation, and project management skills.
Above all, strong belief in and commitment to COPA’s mission.

Additional Information

At Square, we value diversity and always treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Applicants in need of special assistance or accommodation during the interview process or in accessing our website may contact us by sending an email to assistance(at)squareup.com. We will treat your request as confidentially as possible. In your email, please include your name and preferred method of contact, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Perks

At Square, we want you to be well and thrive. Our global benefits package includes:

Healthcare coverage
Retirement Plans
Employee Stock Purchase Program
Wellness perks
Paid parental leave
Flexible time off
Learning and Development resources