Biotech Patent Lawyer

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated In-House Patent Attorney to join our growing biotech company. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in biotechnology, life sciences, or a closely related field, coupled with substantial experience in patent drafting, prosecution, and strategic IP portfolio management. This role will work closely with our research and development teams, business development, and executive leadership to ensure our innovations are effectively protected and leveraged in the global marketplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Patent Portfolio Management
• Develop and implement IP strategies to protect the company’s proprietary technologies and scientific breakthroughs.
• Oversee the prosecution and maintenance of domestic and international patent applications.
• Conduct portfolio evaluations regularly to identify gaps or redundancies in IP coverage.
• Patent Preparation and Prosecution
• Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications, including working closely with scientists and inventors to capture innovations accurately.
• Conduct prior art searches, freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses, patentability assessments, and competitive landscape analyses.
• Represent the company in dealings with the USPTO and other international patent offices, ensuring timely responses to office actions.
• IP Strategy & Alignment with Business Objectives
• Collaborate with R&D leadership and business development to align patent strategy with product pipeline and market opportunities.
• Identify licensing, collaboration, and partnership opportunities that align with or expand the company’s IP portfolio.
• Advise on potential mergers, acquisitions, and partnership deals from an IP standpoint.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
• Evaluate potential IP infringement risks and devise strategies to mitigate legal exposure.
• Perform due diligence for in-licensing and out-licensing deals, mergers, and acquisitions.
• Provide recommendations on potential enforcement or defense strategies in cases of patent disputes.
• Legal Counsel & Compliance
• Advise internal stakeholders on patent law, regulatory compliance (if applicable), and contractual obligations involving IP rights.
• Develop and implement company policies and procedures related to invention disclosure and IP protection.
• Train and guide R&D teams on best practices in invention capture and confidentiality.
• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Communication
• Collaborate with external counsel on complex litigation or specialized issues, ensuring cost efficiency and strategic alignment.
• Communicate IP strategies and updates to executives, board members, and investors as required.
• Partner with marketing and business teams to ensure alignment between product branding, patent filings, and overall company positioning.

Qualifications

• Education & Licensing
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. state (preferably the state where the position is located).
• Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is mandatory.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Pharmacology, or a related life sciences/biotech field; a Ph.D. is highly desirable.
• Experience
• [X]+ years of post-qualification experience as a patent attorney (in-house or at a law firm) with a focus on biotechnology or pharmaceuticals.
• Demonstrated experience drafting and prosecuting biotech-related patent applications; familiarity with small molecule and/or biologics patents is a plus.
• Proven track record of managing patent portfolios and working with cross-functional R&D teams.
• Skills & Competencies
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. and international patent laws and regulations.
• Excellent research and analytical skills to conduct complex prior art searches and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal and scientific concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Team player with a high level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Preferred Attributes
• Experience in patent litigation and enforcement.
• Familiarity with licensing, technology transfer, and collaboration agreements in the biotech space.
• Ability to work proactively and independently while fostering strong partnerships with internal teams and external counsel.

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