Patent Counsel
Merck
September 03, 2026
Remote friendly (Cambridge, MA)
United States
Corporate Functions
Responsibilities:
- Work with internal R&D to identify inventions, conduct patentability assessments, and draft and prosecute patent applications for novel chemical sciences inventions.
- Develop patenting strategies to build robust IP portfolios for biopharmaceutical products.
- Draft/prosecute patents for products, product candidates, and platform technologies globally.
- Support oppositions and other proceedings with internal litigation colleagues.
- Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses for R&D activities.
- Support business development (e.g., collaborations, acquisitions) via IP due diligence, IP counseling, and drafting/negotiating related agreements.
- Coordinate with in-house U.S. and European patent attorneys, paralegals, legal operations, and agents. (Some domestic/international travel may be required.)
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biological, pharmaceutical, or chemical sciences.
- Graduate of an accredited U.S. law school.
- Registered to practice before the USPTO.
- Member in good standing of a Bar in at least one state or DC.
- 5+ years’ experience as an attorney drafting/prosecuting pharmaceutical or biological patent applications (practicing patent agent time may count).
- Strong chemical or biological sciences background; excellent communication and analytical skills.
Preferred:
- Advanced degree in biological/chemical sciences.
- Experience counseling on IP; prioritizing workload; cross-functional partnership building.
- Ability to communicate with R&D and senior leaders; exercise judgment; be proactive.
Benefits/Compensation:
- Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable); comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
- Salary range: $210,400.00–$331,100.00.
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (current employees via Workday Jobs Hub).
- Work with internal R&D to identify inventions, conduct patentability assessments, and draft and prosecute patent applications for novel chemical sciences inventions.
- Develop patenting strategies to build robust IP portfolios for biopharmaceutical products.
- Draft/prosecute patents for products, product candidates, and platform technologies globally.
- Support oppositions and other proceedings with internal litigation colleagues.
- Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses for R&D activities.
- Support business development (e.g., collaborations, acquisitions) via IP due diligence, IP counseling, and drafting/negotiating related agreements.
- Coordinate with in-house U.S. and European patent attorneys, paralegals, legal operations, and agents. (Some domestic/international travel may be required.)
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biological, pharmaceutical, or chemical sciences.
- Graduate of an accredited U.S. law school.
- Registered to practice before the USPTO.
- Member in good standing of a Bar in at least one state or DC.
- 5+ years’ experience as an attorney drafting/prosecuting pharmaceutical or biological patent applications (practicing patent agent time may count).
- Strong chemical or biological sciences background; excellent communication and analytical skills.
Preferred:
- Advanced degree in biological/chemical sciences.
- Experience counseling on IP; prioritizing workload; cross-functional partnership building.
- Ability to communicate with R&D and senior leaders; exercise judgment; be proactive.
Benefits/Compensation:
- Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable); comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
- Salary range: $210,400.00–$331,100.00.
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (current employees via Workday Jobs Hub).