Senior IP Attorney

Company Background: Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation‑driven growth model takes advantage of world‑class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables.

As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Attorney to join our global IP practice. In this role, you will collaborate with technology and business leaders to develop and implement effective IP strategies and provide guidance regarding cross‑functional IP issues that arise.

• Partner with technology, business and legal colleagues to formulate and execute IP strategies, including pursuing patents and trademarks and safeguarding trade secrets and other confidential information.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to identify patentable inventions and prepare patent applications.
• Manage the filing and prosecution of U.S. patent applications while overseeing international patent firms.
• Work with IP leadership and client organizations to determine when freedom‑to‑operate assessments are necessary in both the patent and trademark space, conduct these assessments with a focus on infringement and validity, and supervise the preparation of legal opinions and/or validity challenges by external counsel where warranted.
• Serve as Trademark counsel for the North American Region, partnering with businesses, branding and marketing organizations and overseas in‑house counsel to develop and execute U.S. branding strategies.
• File and prosecute Trademark applications in the U.S.
• Draft and negotiate IP‑related agreements and advise on IP provisions in commercial contracts, licenses and other agreements.
• Provide comprehensive and informed counseling on IP issues to stakeholders across technology, manufacturing and business functions, including guidance on patent versus trade‑secret decisions.

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline from an accredited institution (Chemistry or Chemical Engineering preferred; Ph.D. in chemistry highly preferred).
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 5 years as a Patent and IP attorney, with a focus on chemistry or chemical engineering; 8+ years preferred. Experience should include:
• In‑house experience (preferred).
• Patent preparation and prosecution, including oversight of international counsel.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements that address significant IP issues.
• Providing legal advice on patent, trade‑secret and related matters.
• Identifying potential issues, assessing risks and offering strategic counsel.
• Experience with trademark law or the aptitude and willingness to train and become proficient in trademark law.
• Registration as a Patent Attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Membership in a State Bar with the ability to waive into the Tennessee Bar.
• Strong interest in and commitment to continuous learning about technological advancements and business strategies.
• A collaborative and communicative mindset, with a strong ability to work across teams and functions.
• Leadership experience (plus).
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating IP agreements and related clauses (plus).
• Experience overseeing administrative and court proceedings related to patent and/or trademark matters – both defending Eastman patents and managing challenges filed by others (plus).

Eastman will not accept applicants for this position who require visa sponsorship, including those whose status is F‑1 visa OPT who subsequently would require ongoing visa sponsorship.

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Legal

Industries: Chemical Manufacturing