Member of Legal - IP Strategy

About ai& ai& is a new global AI technology company dedicated to meeting the world's growing demand for AI. Our vision is twofold: to serve as a premier AI lab specializing in localization, and to act as a global infrastructure and compute provider. We are building a unified, optimized global platform that integrates next-generation data centers and infrastructure, heterogeneous compute serving, and advanced model services. We believe that the most effective way to build and scale AI is to own the stack from top to bottom. At ai&, we empower small teams with the autonomy needed to tackle significant challenges. Our approach is to deconstruct large problems into manageable components and solve complex issues collaboratively. We seek highly motivated, mission-driven individuals who demonstrate strong personal agency. We value curiosity as the foundation of talent, and we are looking for people eager to develop alongside our evolving technology and expanding business. We are actively hiring worldwide, with presence in Tokyo, SF, Austin, and Toronto. We are more than happy to meet exceptional talent where they are. Role overview As our IP Strategy expert, you will build and manage ai&'s intellectual property portfolio across our model research, infrastructure technology, and software stack. AI is one of the most contested IP landscapes in the world right now and we need someone who understands both the legal and strategic dimensions of building and protecting IP in this environment. You will work closely with the research, engineering, and product teams to identify patentable innovations, develop a filing strategy, and manage our global patent portfolio. You will also advise on IP risks, freedom-to-operate questions, licensing, and competitive IP landscape analysis. This is a role that requires both legal depth and genuine understanding of the technology we are building. You will be reporting to our Head of Legal. Responsibilities IP Portfolio Development Build and manage ai&'s patent portfolio across model architecture, training methods, inference optimization, kernel technology, and infrastructure. Develop a filing strategy that reflects our competitive priorities. Invention Identification Work directly with research and engineering teams to identify patentable innovations. Build processes that surface IP opportunities early in the development cycle rather than after the fact. Freedom to Operate & Risk Management Advise on IP risks across ai&'s technology stack. Conduct and commission freedom-to-operate analyses. Identify and manage exposure to third-party IP claims. Licensing & Agreements Negotiate and manage IP licensing agreements, technology transfer arrangements, and open source compliance. Advise on IP provisions in commercial contracts and partnerships. Competitive IP Intelligence Monitor the competitive IP landscape across AI research, infrastructure, and model serving. Keep leadership informed about relevant patent activity and emerging IP risks. Global IP Strategy Develop and execute an IP strategy across multiple jurisdictions including Japan, the US, and key international markets. Work with external counsel globally to manage filings and prosecution. You may be a fit if you have the following skills IP Law Expertise Qualified attorney or patent agent with substantive IP law experience. Deep knowledge of patent prosecution, portfolio management, and IP strategy in a technology context. AI or Deep Tech Background Understanding of AI, machine learning, or semiconductor technology at a level that allows you to have credible technical conversations with researchers and engineers. A technical undergraduate degree is a strong signal. Strategic IP Thinking You think about IP as a business asset, not just a legal obligation. You understand how to build a portfolio that creates real competitive value and how to prioritize limited resources across a large innovation surface. Multi-Jurisdictional Experience Experience managing IP across Japan, the US, and international markets. Familiarity with JPO processes and Japanese IP law alongside USPTO experience. Great Team Spirit A mission-driven approach to legal work, valuing clear communication, pragmatic advice, and collective success.