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 www.eastman.com. Position Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Attorney to serve as the lead and primary IP advisor for one or more of Eastman's business units. In this role, you will collaborate with technology and business leaders to develop and implement effective IP strategies, addressing cross-functional IP issues that arise. Key Responsibilities: + Act as the primary IP counsel for designated business units, partnering with technology and business leaders to formulate and to execute IP strategies. + Collaborate with scientists and engineers to identify patentable inventions and prepare patent applications. + File and prosecute U.S. patent applications while overseeing international patent firms in the filing and prosecution of OUS patent applications. + Work with IP leadership and client organizations to determine when freedom-to-operate assessments are necessary, conducting and supervising these assessments with a focus on infringement and validity, and supervising the preparation of legal opinions by external counsel. + Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements and advise upon and negotiating IP provisions in commercial contracts 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. + Oversee administrative and court proceedings related to patent challenges, both defending Eastman patents and managing challenges filed by others. + Possible support of prosecution and defense of patent infringement litigation and other enforcement activities. Qualifications: + Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline from an accredited institution (Chemistry or Chemical Engineering preferred). + Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. + Minimum of five years of in-house corporate experience as a Patent and IP attorney, with a focus on chemistry or chemical engineering. This experience should include: + Patent preparation and prosecution, including oversight of international counsel. + Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements addressing significant IP issues. + Providing legal advice on patent, trade secret, and related matters. + Identifying potential issues, assessing risks, and offering strategic counsel. + Leadership experience is a plus. + 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. + A strong interest in and commitment to continuous learning about technological advancements. + Proven experience in drafting and negotiating IP agreements and related clauses. + A collaborative and communicative mindset, with a strong ability to work across teams and functions. 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. Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.