Patent Counsel

Requisition ID: 72933  About Whirlpool Corporation   Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool , KitchenAid , JennAir, Maytag , Amana, Brastemp , Consul , and InSinkErator . In 2025, the company reported approximately $16 billion in annual net sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 41,000 employees, and 35 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at   WhirlpoolCorp.com .    The team you will be a part of 
 The Legal General team performs a variety of legal activities in accordance with the established standards of the legal profession to protect the organization's reputation and business interests and help ensure it complies with all relevant laws and regulations. Prepares legal contracts, letters of agreement, and other documents related to a variety of trade, commercial, financial, and operational matters (e.g., loans, leases, purchase agreements, acquisitions, divestitures, employment contracts). Represents the organization in legal proceedings before courts, government agencies, or other authorities. This role in summary 
 This position will be responsible for implementing the legal strategy and providing legal advice to ensure that Whirlpool’s current and future innovations are protected. This position reports through the law department to the Legal Director, Patents & Intellectual Property Litigation. At Whirlpool, the Patent Counsel role is expected to bring leadership and expertise in the area of patents, trade secrets, and innovation protection to Whirlpool’s business units, the law department, and in administrative and judicial proceedings. You will help ensure Whirlpool’s unique and compelling innovations are a core driver of Whirlpool’s success in product leadership and improving life at home.    This role is located at our Global Headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan and requires full onsite attendance, Monday through Friday. A comprehensive relocation package is available for eligible candidates. Your responsibilities will include 
 Specific responsibilities include: Developing and executing intellectual property protection strategies related to assigned Whirlpool innovation and technology areas Advising on patent strategy, and managing the filing, prosecution, and maintenance of Whirlpool’s global patent portfolio Negotiating intellectual property-related contracts, including M&A, confidentiality, development, and license agreements, and assisting in negotiation of more general commercial agreements, including procurement and service agreements Investigating and pursuing opportunities to enforce Whirlpool’s intellectual property and monetize its intellectual property assets Establishing product clearance plans and reviewing and advising on freedom-to-operate risks Providing intellectual property advice and training to the engineering and business teams Developing and improving the processes and systems that enable the patent function within the law department to efficiently deliver a sophisticated intellectual property strategy   A Patent Counsel at Whirlpool should be able to:  Provide thought leadership in advancing Whirlpool’s business strategy through intellectual property Drive strategic legal projects forward, including building relationships and inspiring cross-functional collaboration Design and implement efficient and effective processes for meeting the business’s need for legal strategies and support Recognize and cut to the core of legal issues and then provide a practical, business-oriented approach to problem solving Be relied upon to effectively and independently manage projects Communicate clearly