--- title: 'Senior Director, Patents at PlayStation Global' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-director-patents-playstation-global-united-states-san-mateo-5htre02xf8ys' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-12' --- # Senior Director, Patents at PlayStation Global - **Company:** PlayStation Global - **Location:** United States San Mateo, CA - **Compensation:** $302k–$454k - **Posted:** 2026-09-11 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sonyinteractiveentertainmentglobal/jobs/6186162004 ## Job description Why Sony Interactive Entertainment? Sony Interactive Entertainment isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is the company behind the PlayStation brand. As a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, we’re part of a proud legacy of innovation and excellence. SIE is a dynamic technology company, delivering cutting-edge hardware and network services to more than 100 million people and an entertainment leader, home to some of the most beloved and recognizable intellectual properties (IP) in the world. Our role at SIE is to create and nurture the experiences under the PlayStation brand, a name synonymous with entertainment excellence and creativity. Senior Director, Patents San Mateo, CA | Hybrid - 2 days per week in our San Mateo office Full relocation assistance available for qualified candidates Role Summary: As Senior Director of Patents at Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC (“SIE”), you will be the primary counsel responsible for handling the prosecution of SIE’s global patent portfolio and leading the prosecution teams located in SIE’s San Mateo, London, and Tokyo offices. You will be responsible for leading SIE’s efforts to grow its portfolio of utility patents and utility models and will set the strategic direction and priorities of SIE’s patent portfolio. You will also be responsible for providing advice on patent-related issues to SIE legal and business teams, and training business teams on the importance of obtaining protection for SIE’s valuable inventions. You will report to the Vice President, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Competition and Regulatory and be a senior level member of SIE’s global legal leadership team. You will coordinate prosecution-related activities across SIE’s business and legal functions globally. The position is based in San Mateo, California. What You’ll Be Doing: - Manage the prosecution of SIE’s global patent portfolio of utility patents, across various product and technology areas, including invention intake, review, and strategic portfolio assessment. - Develop patent strategy in collaboration with the technical and business teams. - Collaborate effectively and efficiently with outside counsel to manage patent preparation and prosecution. - Manage and develop the SIE patent prosecution teams located in San Mateo, London, and Tokyo, inspiring the teams to perform at their best and enhancing their opportunities for growth. - Lead SIE’s efforts to grow its portfolio through patent workshops and other patent mining activities. - Advise SIE leadership on strategic patent-related issues. - Lead support for SIE legal and business teams on patent-related issues and train business teams on the importance of obtaining protection for SIE’s valuable inventions. - Analyze technical trends and developments in the videogame industry and apply this analysis to the strategic direction of SIE’s patent portfolio. - Partner with team members at all levels of the global organization and develop positive and collaborative relationships with engineering, product management and legal teams to support the patent prosecution program. - Continuously refine and improve SIE’s processes for patent prosecution and intake of patentable inventions. - Maintain and monitor SIE’s budget and track spending for all global prosecution-related activities. What We’re Looking For: - Juris Doctorate degree and admission to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. - An advanced degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or other area relevant to IP practice in the videogame industry. - At least 18 years of experience as a practicing attorney primarily in the area of patent prosecution, preferably with a mix of in-house and private practice experience. - Demonstrated experience and track record of success in building and maintaining a robust global patent portfolio, including portfolio creation, strategy, and counseling. - Experience in preparing and prosecuting domestic and international patent applications and providing patentability, validity, and infringement assessments. - A strong understanding of patent law and principles, and the ability to efficiently review, interpret, and analyze complex legal information. - Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. - Ability to operate with significant autonomy while demonstrating strong executive judgment and self-awareness, remaining receptive to leadership feedback and direction in a collaborative environment, and adapting approach as appropriate while maintaining ownership and a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset. - Ability to work cross-functionally and internationally with multiple partners and to implement global strategies. ## #LI-SF1 At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location. Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this role is eligible for SIE’s top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click [here](https://careers.playstation.com/benefits) to learn more. The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below. $302,400—$453,600 USD Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks. Please refer to our [Candidate Privacy Notice](https://www.playstation.com/legal/careers-privacy-notice/) for more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights. Equal Opportunity Statement: Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond. Sony Interactive Entertainment is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment. ## About PlayStation Global ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is the global leader in interactive entertainment behind the PlayStation brand, delivering generation-defining hardware, pioneering network services, and award-winning games. - **Entity Type**: Private (wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation) - **Headquarters**: San Mateo, California, USA (with global functions in London, United Kingdom, and Tokyo, Japan) - **Founded**: 1994 (with the launch of the original PlayStation in Japan) - **Founders**: Not publicly available as a single founder; the PlayStation brand was created by Sony Corporation ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Gaming & Interactive Entertainment - **Target customers**: B2C (gamers and consumers worldwide), B2B (game developers, publishers, and partners) - **Mission or purpose statement**: "To be the best place to play" – pushing the boundaries of play and inspiring remarkable experiences for players everywhere. ## Products & Services - **PlayStation 5 (PS5)**: Flagship home video game console, including PS5 Pro model, with cutting-edge hardware and immersive gaming experiences. - **PlayStation Network (PSN)**: Online service platform enabling multiplayer, digital storefront, and social features. - **PlayStation Plus**: Subscription service offering online multiplayer, monthly games, and cloud storage. - **PlayStation VR2**: Next-generation virtual reality headset for PS5. - **PlayStation Studios**: A collective of first-party game development studios producing iconic franchises (The Last of Us, God of War, Horizon, Spider-Man, etc.). - **PlayStation Accessories**: Controllers (DualSense), headsets, and other peripherals. - **PlayStation Store**: Digital marketplace for games, add-ons, and media. - **PlayStation 5 Console & Games**: Hardware and software sold globally. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available (wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation) - **Key Metric**: PS5 generation has generated more than **$136 billion in sales** and **$13 billion in operating income** as of March 31, 2026. PlayStation 5 sold-in over **93 million units** worldwide. **125 million monthly active users** (as of March 31, 2026). **Over 1.64 billion software units** sold across PS4 and PS5. **51 billion hours** of annual gameplay (as of March 31, 2025). - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Sony Group Corporation (parent company); extensive network of third-party publishers, developers, and platform partners. - **Growth Signals**: Record-high engagement levels; continued expansion of first-party studios; successful launch of PS5 Pro; increasing digital and subscription revenue; strong global brand recognition. ## Competitive Advantages - **Integrated Ecosystem**: End-to-end control over hardware, software, network services, and first-party content creation. - **Iconic IP Portfolio**: Beloved franchises (The Last of Us, God of War, Horizon, Gran Turismo, etc.) that drive platform loyalty. - **Global Brand Power**: PlayStation is one of the most recognized entertainment brands worldwide. - **Scale & Reach**: 125 million MAU, 93 million PS5 consoles sold, and a massive library of software. - **Innovation Track Record**: Consistently pushing boundaries in graphics, haptics, VR, and online services. ## Strategic Focus - Continuing to grow the PlayStation 5 install base and expand into new hardware (PS5 Pro, PS VR2). - Strengthening first-party game development and acquiring/expanding studios. - Growing network services and subscription revenue through PlayStation Plus. - Leveraging IP across other media (film, TV, merchandise) via Sony Pictures. - Enhancing cloud gaming and streaming capabilities. - Fostering an inclusive, diverse, and innovative workplace culture. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Celebrated for being "trailblazers, passionate, one" – a united, diverse, and innovative global team. Recognized as a 2025 & 2026 Company Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion (Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index 100). - **Flexible Work**: "Flex Modes" blend in-person collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing teams to connect when it counts and work from anywhere. - **Benefits & Perks**: Comprehensive benefits package including learning & development tailored paths, well-being initiatives, and top-tier amenities. - **Engineering & Tech**: Opportunities across software engineering, game development, network services, cybersecurity, data analytics, and more. - **Global Presence**: Offices in San Mateo (HQ), London, Tokyo, and additional studios worldwide. - **Internship Program**: "Internships that Inspire" for students and early-career talent. ## Sources 1. [playstation.com](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/corporate/about-us/) – About Us, facts, and leadership 2. [sonyinteractive.com](https://sonyinteractive.com/en/our-company/) – Company overview, values, fast facts 3. [careers.playstation.com](https://careers.playstation.com/) – Careers page with culture, benefits, and hiring process 4. [job-boards.greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sonyinteractiveentertainmentglobal) – Current job listings (e.g., Corporate Development, Business Analyst) ## Other roles at PlayStation Global - [Software Engineer II Platform Data Reliability](https://feeny.ai/job/software-engineer-ii-platform-data-reliability-playstation-global-united-states-y2n747y01yex) — United States San Mateo, CA - [Software Engineer II Data Reliability & Automation (APIs)](https://feeny.ai/job/software-engineer-ii-data-reliability-automation-apis-playstation-global-united-pcks11mwyr36) — United States San Diego, CA - [Senior Software Engineer - Cloud Streaming (Contractor)](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-engineer-cloud-streaming-contractor-playstation-global-united-nqs57tn9czc6) — United States Aliso Viejo, CA - [Global Content Communications Senior Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/global-content-communications-senior-specialist-playstation-global-united-06kg1vyzwvsr) — United States San Mateo, CA - [Senior Product Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-product-manager-playstation-global-london-t4zz5dt24fqx) — London, United Kingdom - [Senior Graphics Programmer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-graphics-programmer-playstation-global-united-states-san-diego-77471xrq1q6y) — United States San Diego, CA - [Senior Business Development Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-business-development-manager-playstation-global-london-j46gagqfb84h) — London, United Kingdom - [Software Development Engineer in Test - Contractor](https://feeny.ai/job/software-development-engineer-in-test-contractor-playstation-global-united-tvtt27cm1pny) — United States San Mateo, CA - [Audio Firmware Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/audio-firmware-engineer-playstation-global-united-states-san-mateo-ysc0g2w0yxxq) — United States San Mateo, CA - [Analyst, Commercial Insights - Services](https://feeny.ai/job/analyst-commercial-insights-services-playstation-global-london-rs9wy6cpm1ga) — London, United Kingdom