Associate VP-Assistant General Patent Counsel IP Procurement – Key Assets:
Eli Lilly and Company
August 18, 2026
Remote friendly (Indianapolis, IN)
United States
Corporate Functions
Role Overview
Lilly seeks an experienced and strategic patent attorney to provide solution-oriented advice and counseling for IP issues affecting Lilly in development, commercialization, and discovery of pharmaceutical products. Reports to the Associate Vice President – IP Procurement and Strategy.
Responsibilities
- Develop comprehensive global patent strategies for key pharmaceutical assets, including patent application filing strategies, drafting and prosecuting patent applications in all jurisdictions, and assessing freedom to operate.
- Proactively analyze IP risks and develop strategic/tactical solutions aligned with business objectives and the competitive environment.
- Advise teams and senior management on exclusivity, patentability, freedom to operate, and risks in line with law, ethics, and Lilly policies.
- Maintain expertise in global laws, court precedents, and pharmaceutical regulations; apply knowledge and identify improvement opportunities.
- Prioritize, lead, and manage projects; contribute to new policies/procedures; lead task-directed teams.
- Contribute to efficiency, collegiality, and collaboration.
Basic Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited U.S. institution.
- 10+ years post-JD experience as a practicing patent attorney (law firm or industry), including comprehensive patent strategy and significant patent prosecution experience; patent enforcement experience a plus.
- Admitted in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and licensed to represent clients in patent matters before the USPTO; in good standing.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in a scientific field.
- Legally authorized to work in the U.S.; no anticipated visa sponsorship (e.g., H-1B or TN).
Additional Skills/Preferences
- Collaborative, motivated; demonstrated leadership with senior management.
- Pharmaceutical industry experience in drug discovery/development or significant knowledge of drug discovery/development and/or patent litigation.
- High learning agility; creative problem solver; ability to manage complexity.
- Ability to influence/lead in a dynamic environment.
- Exceptional patent law acumen.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple complex projects to meet deadlines.
Benefits (included)
- Anticipated pay: $229,500 - $371,800; eligibility for company bonus; comprehensive benefits including 401(k), pension, vacation, medical/dental/vision/prescription, flexible benefits, life insurance, time off/leave, and well-being benefits.
Application instructions
- If you require accommodation to submit a resume, complete the workplace accommodation request form: https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation.
Lilly seeks an experienced and strategic patent attorney to provide solution-oriented advice and counseling for IP issues affecting Lilly in development, commercialization, and discovery of pharmaceutical products. Reports to the Associate Vice President – IP Procurement and Strategy.
Responsibilities
- Develop comprehensive global patent strategies for key pharmaceutical assets, including patent application filing strategies, drafting and prosecuting patent applications in all jurisdictions, and assessing freedom to operate.
- Proactively analyze IP risks and develop strategic/tactical solutions aligned with business objectives and the competitive environment.
- Advise teams and senior management on exclusivity, patentability, freedom to operate, and risks in line with law, ethics, and Lilly policies.
- Maintain expertise in global laws, court precedents, and pharmaceutical regulations; apply knowledge and identify improvement opportunities.
- Prioritize, lead, and manage projects; contribute to new policies/procedures; lead task-directed teams.
- Contribute to efficiency, collegiality, and collaboration.
Basic Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited U.S. institution.
- 10+ years post-JD experience as a practicing patent attorney (law firm or industry), including comprehensive patent strategy and significant patent prosecution experience; patent enforcement experience a plus.
- Admitted in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and licensed to represent clients in patent matters before the USPTO; in good standing.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in a scientific field.
- Legally authorized to work in the U.S.; no anticipated visa sponsorship (e.g., H-1B or TN).
Additional Skills/Preferences
- Collaborative, motivated; demonstrated leadership with senior management.
- Pharmaceutical industry experience in drug discovery/development or significant knowledge of drug discovery/development and/or patent litigation.
- High learning agility; creative problem solver; ability to manage complexity.
- Ability to influence/lead in a dynamic environment.
- Exceptional patent law acumen.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple complex projects to meet deadlines.
Benefits (included)
- Anticipated pay: $229,500 - $371,800; eligibility for company bonus; comprehensive benefits including 401(k), pension, vacation, medical/dental/vision/prescription, flexible benefits, life insurance, time off/leave, and well-being benefits.
Application instructions
- If you require accommodation to submit a resume, complete the workplace accommodation request form: https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation.