At UEI you will be part of a world class team that is working to innovate and revolutionize the meaning of ‘wireless control’. Whether it’s via chips, software licenses or turnkey products, we are continuing to reinvent how consumers interact with devices and services in their home.

Each day we make the connected home smarter, easier to connect and use, and more sustainable. We delight our Fortune 100 customers such as Comcast, Apple, Samsung, Google, Vivint and Daikin with ground breaking wireless technology solutions such as advanced, voice-enabled remote controls, cloud control solutions, extreme low power Bluetooth silicon with energy harvesting capabilities, smart thermostats and sensors and many other IoT solutions.

Position Summary

The Senior Patent Agent manages a global, sophisticated patent portfolio and is responsible for patent drafting, prosecution, and strategic IP work. This role collaborates closely with inventors, engineering, R&D, outside counsel, and business leaders to ensure intellectual property management aligns with product strategy and long-term business objectives. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong strategic judgment and is comfortable operating autonomously while serving as a trusted advisor within a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below are intended only as examples of the various types of work that you may be asked to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. You may be asked to perform other duties as assigned from time to time.

Manage day-to-day prosecution of U.S. and international patent applications
Draft high-quality patent applications and responses to Office Actions with minimal supervision
Develop filing strategies aligned with business priorities, product roadmaps, and competitive positioning
Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and competitive landscape analyses inquiries
Collaborate with product, engineering and business teams on risk assessment and IP strategy
Participate in invention disclosure reviews, and manage an internal “Patent Committee” to make filing decisions
Maintain accurate docketing, reporting, and portfolio metrics
Support IP litigation matters as needed
Support IP due diligence for M&A, partnerships, and licensing initiatives
Oversee outside counsel and foreign associates
Managing legal budgets including experience working with finance and accounting teams on budgeting, accrual, and forecast functions

Supervisory Responsibilities – List Teams/Groups

Qualifications - Education, Licenses & Certifications

Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical discipline (e.g., engineering, computer science, physics, or related field)

Qualifications - Knowledge & Experience

7+ years of patent prosecution experience, including substantial in-house experience, with working knowledge of USPTO, and PCT/EP processes and procedures
Proven ability to manage patent matters independently and exercise sound judgment
Experience coordinating international patent filings and prosecution
Experience supporting product-driven or R&D-intensive organizations
Familiarity with IP issues related to commercialization, licensing, or litigation support
Business-oriented mindset with strong strategic thinking and attention to detail
Strong time management, organizational, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Ability to balance legal risk, cost, and business value
Excellent organizational and prioritization skills
Collaborative, practical, and solution-focused approach
Flexible and adaptable to a changing environment
Ability to multi-task and self-manage deadlines with a strong sense of accountability to manage workload
Experience managing legal budgets in a corporate environment

Work Conditions

4 days in office, optional Flex Fridays
Physically able to participate in training sessions, presentations, and meetings.
Sitting for extended periods of time; Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, etc.

Compensation and Benefits Disclosure

In accordance with pay transparency laws in the State of California, UEI provides a good-faith compensation range for this position which the company reasonably expects to pay upon hire, based on good-faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting. The final compensation within this range will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, education, training, experience and location. In addition to the compensation, UEI offers comprehensive health and welfare as well as retirement plan benefits which are not reflected in the pay range above.

Universal Electronics Inc. (NASDAQ: UEIC) is the worldwide leader in universal control and sensing technologies for the smart home. Its broad portfolio of patents includes QuickSet® software that utilizes the world’s most complete knowledge graph to detect and interact with thousands of entertainment and smart home devices. The company designs, develops, and manufactures innovative products that are used by the world’s leading brands in the audio, video, subscription broadcasting, connected home, home energy management, and mobile device markets. UEI’s many first-to-market innovations have helped transform the home entertainment control, home security, and home energy management and sensing industries.

Universal Electronics Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We are proud of our diverse workforce and we believe having diverse teams that everyone brings their whole self to work everyday is key to all of our success. We welcome all people of different experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and abilities.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Universal Electronics Inc.

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