Patent Attorney Job Description
This role is responsible for overseeing and executing global patent and related intellectual property strategies and support for the organization's activities, particularly those related to research and development (R&D), technology acquisition (TA), product development (PD), or platform sub-teams.
The successful candidate will be expected to manage the prosecution and defense of the organization's intellectual property, including building and safeguarding a patent portfolio aligned with R&D activities and considering national and international laws and guidelines.
They will provide counsel and advice to management and R&D teams on actively managing global patent-related risks.
The patent attorney will also contribute to enterprise-wide IP strategy to support and safeguard the organization's Global R&D activities, including invention harvesting, optimizing and defending regulatory exclusivities, lifecycle management, and partnering with TA, Research, or PD leadership for high-impact initiatives.
In addition, they will assist in identifying and preserving Trade Secrets, ensuring they are well protected within the global IP strategy alongside other IP rights.
The ideal candidate will be able to actively contribute within a matrix work model, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver IP strategy and advice.
Key responsibilities include managing invention identification and protection through filing and securing patent rights across selected countries, contributing to building robust IP positions for the organization's lead drug candidates.
They will perform freedom to operate analysis across chosen countries, develop risk mitigation strategies, and communicate findings to management and stakeholders.
Additionally, they will support TAs / Research / PD groups in due diligence and advise on deal opportunities. Contribute to negotiations of agreements involving patent and IP matters, such as confidentiality, transfer, licensing, and other agreements.
They will develop and deliver education sessions on IP aspects across the organization.
The patent attorney may also represent the organization in dealings with external attorneys as needed.
Required skills and qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in life sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology) or related field.
* Master's degree or PhD highly regarded.
* Qualified Patent Attorney or IP lawyer admitted in at least one jurisdiction (AU, EP, DE, UK, US preferred) or equivalent legal qualifications and experience in IP.
Desirable skills and qualifications:
* At least 4-8 years post-qualification experience in IP.
* Experience with life science technologies and in-house IP team operations.
* Patent management experience in an R&D drug development environment preferred.
* Experience with patent and IP-related agreements.
* Strong communication and negotiation skills.
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