Legal Counsel, US Patent Attorney

As a US Patent Attorney on the legal team, you will transform cutting-edge research into a strategic intellectual property portfolio that protects Mistral AI’s innovations and supports its global growth. You will work closely with research, engineering, and product teams to identify, prioritize, and secure patentable inventions, shaping the future of open-source AI while aligning IP strategy with the company’s mission. The legal team, currently comprising 30 people across Paris, London and Palo Alto, covers compliance, IP, contracts, and corporate matters. Your role will have a direct impact on defining AI standards, securing strategic assets, and embedding IP thinking into the company’s culture and processes.

Responsibilities

Identify and prioritize patentable inventions by engaging with researchers, engineers, and product managers, advising on trade secrets vs. patent filings; Draft invention memos and patent applications, translating complex technical ideas into clear, defensible disclosures; Manage global patent prosecution, including office action responses and outside counsel, to ensure high-quality filings; Develop and maintain internal IP processes, tools, and documentation, including dashboards for tracking filings, deadlines, and portfolio metrics; Support M&A due diligence by assessing IP portfolios, freedom-to-operate risks, and competitive positioning of targets; Administer and evolve the inventor recognition program, including bonuses, awards, and visibility initiatives; Align patent strategy with Mistral’s open-source objectives and recommend participation in defensive patent networks or alliances

Requirements

Proven experience drafting patents in complex software/AI domains, with a deep understanding of AI patent eligibility in the US and Europe; Hands-on experience with LLMs or other GenAI technologies, including the ability to decode and articulate technical concepts like model architectures or training methods; Experience selecting, managing, and optimizing external patent firms to ensure high-quality, cost-effective prosecution; Ability to engage with researchers and engineers, extract critical information, and explain IP concepts to non-legal audiences; Self-driven and resourceful, with a talent for anticipating needs, engaging stakeholders, and documenting processes; Business acumen to understand how patents drive value for a scale-up, combined with familiarity with open-source licenses and their intersection with patents; Fluent English (required for legal/technical writing)

Benefits

healthcare coverage; parental leave; retirement plans; relocation support; wellness programs; meal and transportation allowances; other location-specific perks