Intellectual Property and Innovation Associate

Sword Health is on a mission to free two billion people from pain as the world’s first and only end-to-end platform to predict, prevent and treat pain.

Delivering a 62% reduction in pain and a 60% reduction in surgery intent, at Sword, we are using technology to save millions for our 2,500+ enterprise clients across three continents. Today, we hold the majority of industry patents, win 70% of competitive evaluations, and have raised more than $300 million from top venture firms like Founders Fund, Sapphire Ventures, General Catalyst, and Khosla Ventures.

Recognized as a Forbes Best Startup Employer in 2023, this award highlights our focus on being a destination for the best and brightest talent. Not only have we experienced unprecedented growth since our market debut in 2020, but we’ve also created a remarkable mission and value-driven environment that is loved by our growing team. With a recent valuation of $2 billion, we are in a phase of hyper growth and expansion, and we’re looking for individuals with passion, commitment, and energy to help us scale our impact.

Joining Sword Health means committing to a set of core values, chief amongst them to “do it for the patients” every day, and to always “deliver more than expected” on behalf of our members and clients.

This is an opportunity for you to make a significant difference on a massive scale as you work alongside 800+ (and growing!) talented colleagues, spanning two continents. Your charge? To help us build a pain-free world, powered by technology, enhanced by people — accessible to all.

This role involves collaborating with cross functional teams to craft and implement a robust Intellectual Property (IP) strategy that supports the company's business objectives. You will oversee the management of our IP portfolio, working with external counsel to protect innovations. Additionally, you will work on initiatives to foster a culture of innovation and facilitate knowledge transfer.

What you will be doing:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., Research & Systems, AI, Algorithms, Product, etc) to identify new patentable inventions and provide guidance on IP-related matters.
• Foster a culture of innovation and IP awareness throughout the organization by conducting workshops, training sessions, and IP awareness campaigns.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel to draft high-quality patent applications, and oversee the filing process to ensure compliance with relevant jurisdictions and timelines.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel to manage the patent prosecution process.
• Constant review of company IP strategy that aligns with the company's business goals, focusing on the creation and protection of IP assets.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the IP portfolio, including tracking status, timelines, and all relevant documentation.
• Stay up-to-date with changes in IP law, industry trends, and competitive landscapes.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management on IP strategy, status, and performance.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the IP budget to ensure effective allocation of resources. Identify cost-saving opportunities, negotiate with vendors, and track expenses to align with financial targets and strategic goals.

What you need to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Computer Science).
• Experience in intellectual property management, innovation management or knowledge transfer, preferably within the technology sector.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

What we would love to see:

• A deep passion for technology and how it drives innovation and competitive advantage.
• Track record of developing and executing IP and innovation strategies, managing IP portfolios, and fostering a culture of innovation.

• Someone who can understand technologies across different areas, ask insightful questions, and engage with technical teams to gain a comprehensive understanding of innovations and their potential impact on the IP landscape.

• Please note that this position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must possess a valid EU visa and be based in Portugal.

US - Sword Benefits & Perks:

• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance*
• Equity shares*
• Discretionary PTO plan*
• Parental leave*
• 401(k)
• Flexible working hours
• Remote-first company
• Paid company holidays
• Free digital therapist for you and your family
*Eligibility: Full-time employees regularly working 25+ hours per week

Portugal - Sword Benefits & Perks:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Meal allowance
• Equity shares
• Remote work allowance
• Flexible working hours
• Work from home
• Unlimited vacation
• Snacks and beverages
• English class
• Unlimited access to Coursera Learning Platform

US Applicants Only: Applicants must have a legal right to work in the United States, and immigration or work visa sponsorship will not be provided.

SWORD Health, which includes SWORD Health, Inc. and Sword Health Professionals (consisting of Sword Health Care Providers, P.A., SWORD Health Care Providers of NJ, P.C., SWORD Health Care Physical Therapy Providers of CA, P.C.*) complies with applicable Federal and State civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of Age, Ancestry, Color, Citizenship, Gender, Gender expression, Gender identity, Gender information, Marital status, Medical condition, National origin, Physical or mental disability, Pregnancy, Race, Religion, Caste, Sexual orientation, and Veteran status.