We’re building a relationship-oriented bank for the modern world. We need talented, passionate professionals who are dedicated to doing what’s right for our clients.

At CIBC, we embrace your strengths and your ambitions, so you are empowered at work. Our team members have what they need to make a meaningful impact and are truly valued for who they are and what they contribute.

To learn more about CIBC, please visit CIBC.com

What you’ll be doing

As Senior Counsel, Patents, you will serve as CIBC Legal’s specialist on patent matters. You will lead Legal’s function in CIBC’s new enterprise patent program by working with CIBC inventors to capture patentable ideas and shepherd invention disclosures, managing the performance of patent prosecution by outside counsel, acting as a subject matter expert in the corporate/commercial aspects of patent law (e.g. licensing, research collaborations, partnerships), advising on patent disputes and litigation matters, and collaborating with executive leadership and cross-functional teams on the policies, processes, education, and governance of the patent program to support our Bank’s strategic approach to patents and promotion of a culture of innovation and patent awareness across the organization.

At CIBC we enable the work environment most optimal for you to thrive in your role. You’ll have the flexibility to manage your work activities within a hybrid work arrangement where you’ll spend 1-3 days per week on-site, while other days will be remote.

How you’ll succeed

• Patent Prosecution Management: Lead day-to-day management of domestic and international patent prosecution handled by outside counsel; review office actions, set prosecution strategies, provide clear instructions, and ensure high-quality, consistent filings aligned with CIBC objectives.

• Invention Intake & Docketing: Operate and continually improve the processes for idea intake, invention disclosure, evaluation, and filing.

• Prior Art & Patentability: Coordinate and review prior art searches and patentability analyses; synthesize findings into actionable recommendations on claim scope, filing pathways, and go/no-go decisions.

• Portfolio Support: Support the patent program strategy lead’s administration of the patent program with timely legal advice on chain-of-title and assignment issues, maintenance/annuity decisions, proposed public disclosures, confidentiality/privilege considerations, and prosecution or pruning choices that affect portfolio health.

• Education & Advocacy: Prepare and deliver legal patent and patent process training and education programs, assisting with the development of enterprise patent awareness and our Bank’s broader innovation culture.

• Policy & Compliance: Advise on patent-related policies, processes, and standards; ensure adherence to confidentiality, privilege, and patent program governance requirements.

• Reporting & Communication: Contribute legal perspective in updates to executive committees, highlighting legal work progress, outcomes, and recommendations.

• Continuous Improvement: Stay current on patent law and patent office practice developments; recommend process enhancements, tooling (e.g., systems, software, leveraging AI where appropriate), and standardization to improve efficiency and quality.

Who you are

• You’re a certified professional. Successful Candidate must have been called to the Bar in Ontario.

• You give meaning to data. You enjoy investigating complex problems, and making sense of information. You're confident in your ability to communicate detailed information in an impactful way.

• You act like an owner. You thrive when you're empowered to take the lead, go above and beyond, and deliver results.

• You look beyond the moment. You make decisions and take actions that will make a difference today and tomorrow. You proactively seek new opportunities to define what's possible.

• You have 10+ years experience, including 5+ years as a patent lawyer. You have experience in managing invention disclosure process and patent prosecution, ideally within a large organization or law firm. You have a strong track record of managing external patent firms, strategizing patent prosecution approaches, and educating non-legal stakeholders on patent law principles and their business implications. Experience in financial services or technology-driven environments is an asset. Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills are essential.

• Values matter to you. You bring your real self to work and you live our values – trust, teamwork and accountability.

#LI-TA

What CIBC Offers

At CIBC, your goals are a priority. We start with your strengths and ambitions as an employee and strive to create opportunities to tap into your potential. We aspire to give you a career, rather than just a paycheck.

• We work to recognize you in meaningful, personalized ways including a competitive salary, incentive pay, banking benefits, a benefits program*, defined benefit pension plan*, an employee share purchase plan, a vacation offering, wellbeing support, and MomentMakers, our social, points-based recognition program.

• Our spaces and technological toolkit will make it simple to bring together great minds to create innovative solutions that make a difference for our clients.

• We cultivate a culture where you can express your ambition through initiatives like Purpose Day; a paid day off dedicated for you to use to invest in your growth and development.

*Subject to plan and program terms and conditions

What you need to know

• CIBC is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members and clients feel like they belong. We seek applicants with a wide range of abilities and we provide an accessible candidate experience. If you need accommodation, please contact Mailbox.careers-carrieres@cibc.com

• CIBC is committed to clarity in our hiring process. All roles posted are opportunities we’re actively recruiting for, unless stated otherwise.

• You need to be legally eligible to work at the location(s) specified above and, where applicable, must have a valid work or study permit.

• We may ask you to complete an attribute-based assessment and other skills test (such as simulation, coding, French proficiency).

• We use artificial intelligence tools during the recruitment process. Our goal for the application process is to get to know more about you, all that you have to offer, and give you the opportunity to learn more about us.

Job Location

Toronto-81 Bay, 20th Floor

Employment Type

Regular

Weekly Hours

37.5

Skills

Business Contracts, Business Transactions, Collaboration, Communication, Contract Negotiations, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Invention Disclosure, Legal Consulting, Legal Practices, Litigation, Patent Prosecution, People Management, Strategic Advice