Patent Attorney II, Biologics

Role Summary

The role is for a Patent Attorney II, Biologics located in Cambridge, MA or San Diego, CA with a hybrid schedule. The attorney will independently perform core patent and complex patent, exclusivity, and related activities, advise and partner with business leaders on IP matters, and contribute to operational and strategic IP objectives.

Responsibilities

• Undertakes and leads core and some complex patent activities, including patent drafting and prosecution, patentability and freedom-to-operate analysis, IP due diligences, litigation, and contract IP terms.
• Manages a patent portfolio relating to a key product, multiple products, or other strategic assets.
• Applies expertise in national patent law and practice and superior working knowledge of foreign patent law and practice.
• Understanding of other forms of protection relating to exclusivity and applying as required.
• Understands the business context of Novartis and the role of IP within it.
• Builds relationships and counsels senior colleagues and key business partners on complex IP matters and represents IP on boards/meetings as needed.
• Manages patent and other exclusivity litigation with some independence per approved processes.
• Contributes to budget management through planning, external counsel management, and cost containment.
• Contributes to implementation and application of IP policies and guidelines.
• Reporting of technical complaints/adverse events/special case scenarios related to Novartis products within 24 hours of receipt; distribution of marketing samples where applicable.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree with admission to at least one state bar and registered to practice before USPTO.
• Bachelor‚Äôs degree in biology or biochemistry; MS or PhD in biology (e.g., molecular biology) or similar.
• 5+ years of experience as a patent practitioner in a law firm or pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry; 1-2+ years exposure to drug discovery and development processes.
• Strong scientific background in biological sciences, preferably with direct lab experience.
• Expertise in US and PCT law, filing process and prosecution; understanding of European patent law and other major global systems.
• Strong customer-service focus to build partnerships with stakeholders and project teams.
• Experience integrating global outlook and product lifecycle management into decision-making.
• Analytical, presentation, and communication skills; ability to work independently and in a team; strong research and critical thinking skills with attention to detail.

Skills

• Patent drafting and prosecution
• IP due diligence and litigation management
• Exclusivity and related regulatory protections
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
• US, PCT, and European patent law knowledge

Education

• J.D. required; science degree (Biology/Biochemistry) with advanced degree (MS/PhD) preferred

Additional Requirements

• Adherence to IP policies and guidelines; ability to manage budgets and external counsel