Intellectual Property Manager

The Opportunity :

The Intellectual Property (IP) Manager reports to the Associate Director of Licensing and Operations and serves as the central point of control for the university's IP asset protection. This role is responsible for the strategic management, budgeting, and administration of all patent, copyright, and trademark protection processes. The IP Manager acts as the key liaison between our researchers / creators and outside legal counsel to efficiently secure and maintain IP rights. The IP Manager ensures the development of a robust IP portfolio that supports the university's overall research objectives and commercialization goals.

Responsibilities :

IP Portfolio Management & Asset Administration

IP Protection and Maintenance : Lead the administrative processes for patent, copyright, and trademark protection, including managing disclosure, legal assignment, and the overall protection strategy.

Interface with outside counsel to manage / oversee patent prosecution led by the outside counsel. Coordinate with outside counsel on filing new applications, monitoring and processing ongoing prosecution and related correspondence. Serve as the primary interface with outside vendor to manage all annuity and maintenance decisions, payments, and correspondence.

Manage trademark, copyright and software disclosure, assignment, and protection process.

Docket Control : Ensure strict adherence to legal timelines by coordinating with counsel on IP docket administration and tracking all critical legal deadlines and events.

Financial & Operational Excellence

Budget Management : Manage all IP-related expenses and invoicing, ensuring all activities are conducted efficiently and within the established annual budget.

Process Improvement : Proactively monitor and analyze changes in patent and federal IP laws to optimize prosecution outcomes. Research and recommend administrative and cost-saving process improvements based on industry and academic best practices.

Internal Training : Provide training and guidance to inventors and internal stakeholders on the patenting process and best practices for IP disclosure.

Compliance, Reporting, and Metrics

Government Compliance : Ensure full and timely compliance with all federal and non-federal funding obligations, including accurate IP reporting as required by grants and funding agreements.

Data and Analytics : Track, develop, and maintain reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the IP portfolio, including inventions, patent applications, issued patents, copyrights, and trademarks.

Database Administration : Maintain accurate and up-to-date IP records within internal and external reporting databases.

Minimum Qualifications :

Bachelor's or Master's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6) .

Preferred Qualifications :

Strong preference will be given to candidates who are currently registered as a U.S. Patent Agent.

Preference will be given to candidates with a degree in Physical Sciences or related field.

Demonstrated experience working in intellectual property management.

In addition, preferences will be given for exceptional oral and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.

Special Instructions to the Applicants :

Position requires a valid Class E driver's license. This position may involve driving to various locations on and off campus to conduct University business.

Applicant must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer, as sponsorship is not available for this position.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $89,076 to $111,345. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

If you are selected as the final candidate for an employment opportunity here at UCF, both your position and salary will be significantly based upon the information that you have provided in your application for employment. We urge you to please take the time to complete the application in its entirety.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you'll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You'll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you'll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills, and you'll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers :

Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays

Retirement savings options

Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions

Education assistance

And more...For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide .

Dive into our Total Rewards Calculator to discover the diverse selection available to you, giving you a glimpse into the benefits that together shape your comprehensive rewards package at UCF.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF's expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Department

Office of Research - Operations

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 8 : 00 am - 5 : 00 pm. Schedule may vary as required.

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

$89,076.00 to Negotiable

Job Posting End Date

12-01-2025-12-00-AM

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu .

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu .