Senior Manager - Patents

About Cognizant Corporate
Cognizant Corporate is a global community united by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to excellence and driven by outcomes that matter. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and our forward-thinking mindset fuels continuous learning, innovation, and growth. At Cognizant, careers transcend titles. We empower our people to think strategically, inspire others, and lead with purpose, always guided by our core values. Join us in shaping the future of business. Could you be the one to make a difference?
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 good 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.
Work model
At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role's business requirements, the work arrangement may be remote, hybrid, or onsite and will be communicated during the hiring process. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.
We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.
Work Authorization
Must be legally authorized to work in the country without the need for employer sponsorship, now or any time in the future.

Work arrangement
Hybrid