Summary:

• This role will lead and manage global Intellectual Property initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy, including branding, marketing strategies, and legal compliance. This role will oversee Patents, Copyrights, trademark related matters including clearance, filing, prosecution, administration, and enforcement activities, while develop region-specific strategies and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Experience and Responsibilities

Patents

• Drafting, filing, prosecution and all matters relating to Patents in India, US and other major regions.

• Good knowledge of Patent laws in India and the U.S.

• Ability to create Patent strategies and IP strategies for the Company

• Provide trainings on IP to business teams and internal legal and IP teams

• Oversee the entire IP team globally

• Manage Patent administration, docketing and general advisory on patent matters

• Enforcement of patents and Patent litigations

• Patent Analytics

• Patent Portfolio analysis and IP Audits

• Automation and working knowledge of Patent tools

Trademarks

• Collaborate with Marketing and Corporate Leadership to review and refine standards for descriptive vs. suggestive naming.

• Provide strategic guidance on trademark use, branding policies, and naming conventions.

• Support selection and clearance of new trademarks.

• Review initial search reports from vendors or conduct preliminary knockout searches.

• Analyse search results and liaise with business teams regarding budget, goods/services descriptions, and risk assessments.

• Instruct external counsel on filings and review submitted documents.

• Manage office actions and oppositions, coordinating with stakeholders and law firms.

• Research trademark usage and consult internal teams to determine renewal necessity.

• Review internal and external reports of potential infringements.

• Investigate unauthorized uses and coordinate enforcement actions including cease and desist letters.

• Support litigation and enforcement efforts through documentation and stakeholder interviews.

Copyrights

• Filing of Copyrights

• Copyright clearances

• Enforcement of copyrights and managing disputes and litigation

Basic Qualifications and Skills

• Law degree or Equivalent from a leading university and/or law school, including technical qualifications BE/Masters or Bachelor of Science or equivalent

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate and draft fluently

• A minimum of 14-20 years of experience in IP or similar areas working in law firms or large corporates

• The candidate must be a self-starter, have passion for technology, and enjoy working strategically and being continually challenged

• Well-versed in how IT businesses operate with financial acumen and have high degree of professional ethics, integrity, excellent judgment and analytical skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to anticipate legal issues or risks

• Experience in managing teams across locations and mentor and coach team members.

The Cognizant community:
We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

• Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world.
• We don’t just dream of a better way – we make it happen.
• We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what’s right.
• We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you.

About us:
Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com with your request and contact information.

Disclaimer:
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.