Sr. Principal, Legal Counsel, IP – Patents
Coupang Internal · Seoul, South Korea ·
- Seniority
- Principal
- Employment
- Full time
- Category
- Legal
- Experience
- 15+ years
- Visa sponsorship
- Yes
- Company size
- 1000+
Senior patent attorney at Coupang in Seoul, South Korea, leading IP strategy, patent portfolio management, and risk mitigation for technology-driven commerce innovations.
Company Introduction
Coupang is redefining the future of commerce in Korea. Driven by an obsession to make everyday life easier, we deliver a seamless, fast, and reliable customer experience at a scale unmatched in the market.
We combine the agility of a startup with the resources of a global public company—creating an environment where innovation moves quickly and ideas turn into impact. At Coupang, you’ll work alongside ambitious, curious, and hands-on teams who are building category-defining products and services.
Join us to shape how millions of customers shop, eat, and live—every day.
Role Overview
As Legal Counsel, IP (Patents), you will play a central role in protecting and scaling Coupang’s innovation portfolio. You will partner closely with engineering and product teams to identify high-impact inventions, guide patent strategy, and enable the business to move fast while managing risk.
This is a hands-on role with broad exposure across patent lifecycle management, innovation strategy, and patent advisory—including freedom-to-operate, licensing, and disputes. You will operate at the intersection of technology, law, and business, helping translate innovation into competitive advantage.
What You Will Do
Coupang is redefining the future of commerce in Korea. Driven by an obsession to make everyday life easier, we deliver a seamless, fast, and reliable customer experience at a scale unmatched in the market.
We combine the agility of a startup with the resources of a global public company—creating an environment where innovation moves quickly and ideas turn into impact. At Coupang, you’ll work alongside ambitious, curious, and hands-on teams who are building category-defining products and services.
Join us to shape how millions of customers shop, eat, and live—every day.
Role Overview
As Legal Counsel, IP (Patents), you will play a central role in protecting and scaling Coupang’s innovation portfolio. You will partner closely with engineering and product teams to identify high-impact inventions, guide patent strategy, and enable the business to move fast while managing risk.
This is a hands-on role with broad exposure across patent lifecycle management, innovation strategy, and patent advisory—including freedom-to-operate, licensing, and disputes. You will operate at the intersection of technology, law, and business, helping translate innovation into competitive advantage.
What You Will Do
- Own and evolve patent portfolios across key technology areas supporting Coupang’s products and services
- Drive end-to-end patent lifecycle execution, from invention harvesting and drafting to global filings and prosecution
- Partner with engineers and product leaders to identify patentable innovations and align IP strategy with business priorities
- Advise on patent risk and strategy, including freedom-to-operate (FTO), licensing, invalidity, and dispute-related matters
- Enable a culture of innovation by building and enhancing inventor engagement and patent awareness programs
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, Compliance, Engineering, Product, and business stakeholders to deliver practical, business-oriented IP solutions
Basic Qualifications
- Qualified Patent Attorney (US or Korea)
- 15+ years of patent law experience (in-house and/or law firm)
- Strong expertise in patent prosecution and portfolio management
- Fluency in English is a must. Additional language fluency especially Korean is desired but not a must.
- Ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable business guidance
- Proven ability to work cross-functionally in fast-paced, high-growth environments
- Strong judgment, ownership mindset, and problem-solving capability
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working across both law firm and in-house environments
- Technical background in computer science, electrical engineering, or related fields
- Experience with software, platform, or internet technologies (e.g., UI/UX, video, systems, e-commerce)
- Exposure to patent litigation, licensing, FTO, or IP due diligence
- Experience operating in global or technology-driven organizations
Recruitment Process
Application Review → Phone Interview → Onsite (or Virtual Onsite) Interview → Offer
The exact process may vary depending on scheduling and role requirements. Candidates will be notified of updates via the email provided during application.
Details to Consider
- This posting may close early once positions are filled
- Offers may be rescinded if inaccurate information is provided during the hiring process
- Applicants eligible for employment protection may receive consideration in accordance with applicable laws
- Final title and scope may be adjusted based on experience and will be discussed before offer
- Employment is subject to meeting all legal eligibility requirements
- This is a full-time role and may include a probationary period (up to 12 weeks), depending on business needs
Privacy Notice
Your personal information will be handled in accordance with Coupang’s Applicant Privacy Notice: