As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.
Ciena is currently seeking a Patent Agent to join our legal department to manage the company’s patents and patent applications in the optical networking area. The successful candidate’s responsibilities will include working with the rest of the patent prosecution team to strategically manage Ciena’s worldwide patent portfolio of more than 3,000 properties, receiving and evaluating invention disclosures, contributing during internal Patent Review Board meetings, managing outside patent prosecution counsel, and providing litigation and licensing support. The successful candidate will report to the Head of Patent Prosecution and will work closely with the Head of Litigation to support litigation, licensing and other IP projects. This is a remote role - based anywhere in North America.
Required Skills:
Strong technical knowledge of optical telecommunication networks, including WDM and PON networks and associated devices
Deep understanding of patent drafting, claim construction and claim charting for infringement and invalidity analysis, especially in the electrical arts
Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all reporting levels of an organization
Self-starter capable of working independently and as part of a team
Prior Work:
B.S. degree in electrical engineering, physics, telecommunication engineering or software engineering
Registered Patent Agent
5+ years of US patent prosecution and/or litigation experience in a law firm and/or corporate legal department
Experience working with non-US patent offices, with a focus on Europe, India and Asia
Preferred Experience:
Advanced degree or commensurate work experience in electrical engineering, physics, telecommunication engineering or software engineering
Managing a patent portfolio, invention intake system, and patent review board process
Participating in patent litigations in US federal court and/or administrative post-grant proceedings at the USPTO
Conducting patent prior art searches, evidence of use claim chartings, and freedom to operate analyses
Reviewing and crafting claim charts to assess claim scope as related to industry standards and contributions to standards development organizations
Technical knowledge of software for optical telecommunication networks, including WDM and PON networks and AI assisted network management
Familiarity with AI assisted prior art searching and claim charting for infringement and invalidity
Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. Please note that the pay range information provided in this posting pertains specifically to the primary location, which is the top location listed in case multiple locations are available.
Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.
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At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.
Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.