About the role
As a Senior Manager - Patents, you will drive impactful contributions to Cognizant's global patent program and intellectual property strategy. You will be a key member of the Legal and Intellectual Property team, collaborating with technology, research, innovation, product, engineering, business, and legal stakeholders. You will have the autonomy to lead patent strategy, portfolio development, governance, and operational excellence while supporting innovation across the organization. In this role, you will: Develop and execute global patent strategies aligned with technology priorities, innovation roadmaps, business objectives, competitive positioning, and commercialization goals. Lead invention harvesting efforts by partnering with engineering, research, innovation, delivery, and product teams to identify and evaluate patentable innovations. Manage patent evaluation, prior-art analysis, filing decisions, prosecution activities, and portfolio optimization across relevant jurisdictions. Oversee patent governance, including patent committee processes, approvals, compliance, records management, outside counsel engagement, and budget oversight. Advise stakeholders on ownership, inventorship, AI-related patent considerations, collaborative innovation matters, and emerging intellectual property developments. Embrace our vibrant culture by striving for excellence, focusing on meaningful outcomes, and collaborating effectively. Prioritize quality, stay curious, and commit to continuous learning. Take ownership, build relationships,



and focus on personal growth to drive business strategy and impactful work. What you must have to be considered Law degree. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics, Telecommunications, Data Science, or another technical discipline. Significant experience managing patent portfolios, patent prosecution, invention evaluation, and intellectual property governance. Strong knowledge of global patent laws, patentability analysis, inventorship, ownership, licensing, and prosecution strategies. Experience working with outside counsel, managing patent budgets, and advising technology and business stakeholders. Strong leadership experience with the ability to coach and develop patent and IP professionals. A strong sense of ownership, desire to create meaningful outcomes, and passion for work that serves a greater positive for customers, communities, or global challenges. The embodiment of Cognizant's Values of: Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do The Right Thing, & Own It. These will help you succeed Advanced experience supporting AI-enabled and software-based innovations. Expertise in computer-implemented inventions and emerging patent trends. Experience building and optimizing global patent portfolios within large multinational organizations. Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex patent matters into practical business recommendations. Experience implementing patent operations, dashboards, SOPs, and compliance frameworks.

📌 Legal Patent - SM (Chennai)
🏢 People First Consultants
📍 Chennai