Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property at Coinbase

This role is designed for a seasoned IP attorney with at least 5 years of experience, specifically blending patent litigation with portfolio development. The id

Work type: remote

Location: Remote - USA

Salary: $224,995 – $264,700/yr

Type: Full-time

Summary

This role is designed for a seasoned IP attorney with at least 5 years of experience, specifically blending patent litigation with portfolio development. The ideal candidate has spent significant time in a high-stakes legal environment (likely 3+ years in litigation) and possesses a deep technical curiosity for the "onchain" ecosystem. You should be comfortable operating autonomously in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where legal precedents are still being written. The compensation is highly competitive, featuring a base salary up to $264,700 plus equity and performance bonuses. While the role is classified as "Remote-first," it emphasizes high-touch collaboration through mandatory in-person offsites several times a year. This is a rare opportunity to lead defensive patent strategies and "invention harvesting" for a company at the forefront of the global financial system's evolution. **You might be a good fit if you...** * Have a JD, an active U.S. law license, and a strong background in patent prosecution and litigation. * Are obsessed with crypto/blockchain technology and want to help build a defensive patent moat for the industry. * Thrive in "intense" work cultures that prioritize extreme ownership and radical feedback. * Can translate complex IP disputes into plain language for non-legal stakeholders.

Job Description

Ready to be pushed beyond what you think you’re capable of?

At Coinbase, our mission is to increase economic freedom in the world. It’s a massive, ambitious opportunity that demands the best of us, every day, as we build the emerging onchain platform — and with it, the future global financial system.

To achieve our mission, we’re seeking a very specific candidate. We want someone who is passionate about our mission and who believes in the power of crypto and blockchain technology to update the financial system. We want someone who is eager to leave their mark on the world, who relishes the pressure and privilege of working with high caliber colleagues, and who actively seeks feedback to keep leveling up. We want someone who will run towards, not away from, solving the company’s hardest problems.

Our [work culture](https://www.coinbase.com/mission) is intense and isn’t for everyone. But if you want to build the future alongside others who excel in their disciplines and expect the same from you, there’s no better place to be.

While many roles at Coinbase are remote-first, we are not remote-only. In-person participation is required throughout the year. Team and company-wide offsites are held multiple times annually to foster collaboration, connection, and alignment. Attendance is expected and fully supported.

Coinbase is leading the expansion of digital currency into the financial mainstream. We are building a world-class legal team to support Coinbase and its affiliates as we continue to grow the company in the U.S. and internationally. You will be working in a cutting edge and fast paced environment, where disruptive technologies and unconventional thinking are the norm. Given the nascent state of the law, novel legal guidance is needed!

We are looking for a passionate IP litigation and portfolio development counsel who can help lead the defense of the company in patent and other high-stakes IP litigation as well as help us build a defensive patent portfolio to protect Coinbase and the crypto community. An engaged and enthusiastic person with a good sense of humor will thrive on our team!

What you’ll be doing (ie. job duties):

• Engage in developing strategies to defend Coinbase in high-stakes IP disputes

• Help shape Coinbase’s patent portfolio strategy

• Work with our innovators to harvest inventions and create content for inventor education and outreach

• Manage patent preparation and prosecution, oversee outside counsel, and develop analytical tools and processes to optimize Coinbase’s patent portfolio

• Perform IP due diligence and advise on IP transactional issues

• Engage in thought leadership, including proactively advising on legislative and judicial developments in IP

• Current license in a U.S. state. JD or equivalent with 5+ years of patent preparation and prosecution and/or patent litigation experience, with a strong preference for those with 3+ years of patent litigation experience.

• Deep knowledge and understanding of crypto, or passion & ability to become a crypto expert.

• Experience in the crypto industry is a plus, but not required.

• A high degree of self-sufficiency and ability to make judgments independently.

• Ability to create friendly and collaborative working relationships, particularly with your teammates, the rest of the legal department, internal clients, and outside counsel

• Action-oriented mindset with the ability to execute and deliver impact in the first 90 days and beyond.

• Be able to distill complicated matters and communicate in plain language to a variety of audiences

#LI-Remote

Pay Transparency Notice:Depending on your work location, the target annual basesalary for this position can range as detailed below. Total compensation may also include equity and bonus eligibility and benefits (including medical, dental, vision and 401(k)).

Annual base salary range (excluding equity and bonus):
$224,995—$264,700 USD

Please be advised that each candidate may submit a maximum of four applications within any 30-day period. We encourage you to carefully evaluate how your skills and interests align with Coinbase's roles before applying.

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