Patent Agent
Elanco
July 01, 2026
Remote friendly (Indianapolis, IN)
United States
Corporate Functions
Your Role: Patent Agent
As a Patent Agent on our Intellectual Property (IP) team, you will partner with R&D to advance small and/or large molecule programs by drafting and prosecuting high-quality patent applications.
Responsibilities:
- Draft, file, and prosecute high-quality U.S. patent applications before the USPTO with R&D scientists.
- Manage a global patent portfolio by directing and overseeing outside counsel for international prosecution.
- Conduct and analyze prior art searches, freedom-to-operate (FTO), and patent landscape assessments.
- Support due diligence and collaborate with legal, regulatory, and business development teams to align IP strategy with business goals.
- Educate and train R&D teams on IP awareness and monitor competitor patent activity.
Minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in patent prosecution and portfolio management.
- Registered as a Patent Agent with the USPTO or eligible and willing to sit for the USPTO Patent Agent examination.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States (no anticipated H-1B/TN sponsorship).
Preferred qualifications:
- Ph.D. or M.S. in a relevant scientific field.
- Experience with small/large molecule inventions, biologics (including monoclonal antibodies), and/or life science patent applications.
- USPTO Patent Examiner experience.
- Ability to communicate complex topics and collaborate in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
Additional information:
- Travel: up to 5% annually.
- Location: Global Elanco Headquarters – Indianapolis, IN (Hybrid).
As a Patent Agent on our Intellectual Property (IP) team, you will partner with R&D to advance small and/or large molecule programs by drafting and prosecuting high-quality patent applications.
Responsibilities:
- Draft, file, and prosecute high-quality U.S. patent applications before the USPTO with R&D scientists.
- Manage a global patent portfolio by directing and overseeing outside counsel for international prosecution.
- Conduct and analyze prior art searches, freedom-to-operate (FTO), and patent landscape assessments.
- Support due diligence and collaborate with legal, regulatory, and business development teams to align IP strategy with business goals.
- Educate and train R&D teams on IP awareness and monitor competitor patent activity.
Minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in patent prosecution and portfolio management.
- Registered as a Patent Agent with the USPTO or eligible and willing to sit for the USPTO Patent Agent examination.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States (no anticipated H-1B/TN sponsorship).
Preferred qualifications:
- Ph.D. or M.S. in a relevant scientific field.
- Experience with small/large molecule inventions, biologics (including monoclonal antibodies), and/or life science patent applications.
- USPTO Patent Examiner experience.
- Ability to communicate complex topics and collaborate in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
Additional information:
- Travel: up to 5% annually.
- Location: Global Elanco Headquarters – Indianapolis, IN (Hybrid).