Patent Attorney

About Halter

Halter is revolutionizing the agricultural industry by enabling farmers and graziers to run highly productive and sustainable operations using advanced technology. Imagine 500 cattle walking calmly to their next grazing area without fences, dogs, or quad bikes—powered by solar collars, satellite connectivity, and machine learning that monitors health, pasture consumption, and social patterns. This breakthrough technology did not exist five years ago; Halter is pioneering it and continues to innovate rapidly.

Role Overview

As a Patent Attorney, you will be pivotal in securing and managing intellectual property for ground-breaking inventions within Halter's fast-growing engineering team. You will identify inventions early—sometimes before the engineers even realize they have created them—and protect these innovations globally. Joining as the second member of the IP team, you will shape IP strategy and build scalable AI-enhanced patent systems to support the rapidly expanding portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to discover patentable inventions and draft thorough specifications and claims spanning firmware, software, machine learning, electronics, and mechanical systems.
• Manage the entire patent prosecution process, including responding to examination reports, amendments, and strategic filings with the assistance of external counsel.
• Lead freedom-to-operate clearances, partnering with engineers to ensure product compliance.
• Innovate and develop AI-driven tools within the IP function to automate and streamline processes.
• Participate in creative hackathons, identify patent whitespace opportunities, and engage directly with farming environments—all while enjoying a work culture free from timesheets.

Qualifications and Skills

• Substantial experience (around 5 to 10 years) as a Patent Attorney or Patent Engineer.
• Strong technical knowledge or keen interest in software, electronics, or machine learning technologies; agricultural knowledge can be learned on the job.
• An inquisitive mindset that drives you to thoroughly understand designs and code by engaging deeply with engineers.
• Expertise in patentability analysis, drafting patents, prosecution, freedom to operate, and invalidity assessments.
• A passion for automating manual processes and the ability to work independently by identifying and executing necessary actions.

Bonus Attributes

• Experience or genuine interest in agriculture and agricultural technologies.
• Background in legal practice or litigation experience.
• A proactive attitude to contribute broadly across Halter’s needs, beyond intellectual property.

Company Benefits

• Complimentary snacks and beverages to keep you energized throughout the day.
• Comprehensive health coverage through partnership with Southern Cross Health Insurance.
• Generous parental leave policies including 6 months fully paid primary caregiver leave and 4 weeks fully paid secondary caregiver leave.
• Annual personal development budget of $1000 to support your growth.
• Wellness leave and an unlimited paid annual leave policy to support work-life balance.
• Competitive remuneration package including salary, benefits, and employee stock ownership plans.

Work Culture and Approach

Halter embraces an office-first philosophy to foster meaningful connections, enhance learning, and facilitate collaboration, with flexible arrangements when necessary. The workplace culture is high-trust, energetic, and inclusive, dedicated to innovation and impact in transforming an entire industry.

Diversity and Inclusion

Halter is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace, encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience to apply. The company values potential and fit over ticking every single requirement.