Description:
An American Biopharmaceutical Company is seeking a Director, Intellectual Property to support its research and development organization. The role will primarily support cell and gene therapy programs. The Director will advise An American Biopharmaceutical Company on a wide range of intellectual property matters, including patent preparation and prosecution, opposition proceedings, due diligence, and transaction support, in addition to client counseling.The position will be based at our research site in San Diego and report to the Executive Director, Intellectual Property. The position can be either full time in the office or hybrid (3-days in the office and 2-days working remotely).
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage intellectual property portfolios for cell and gene therapy candidates, including drafting and filing patent applications, responses to office actions and briefs, and assist in establishing US and International Patent strategies
- Conduct periodic patent portfolio reviews
- Conduct prior art searches, analyze third-party patent positions, and conduct due diligence to support business development activities
- Support the drafting of confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, and sponsored research agreements.
- Review draft scientific publications for relevance to the IP strategy for programs
- Implement and manage intellectual property portfolio strategies worldwide to maximize value and utility of IP assets
- Supervise outside counsel in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications worldwide
- Coordinate with An American Biopharmaceutical Company external collaborators on intellectual property matters
- Support potential IPRs, PGRs and Oppositions
- Advise management on key IP issues
Knowledge and Skills:
- Strong knowledge of US and foreign patent law
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, high EQ, ability to multi-task in fast paced environment
- An ability to manage timelines, including prioritization of the most important tasks, and enlisting assistance from other colleagues / outside law firms where required
- Excellent work ethic, integrity, and commitment to professionalism
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills
- Strong attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, prioritize work
- Strong team player
- Good sense of humor
- Intellectual curiosity
Education and Experience:
- An undergraduate degree or advanced degree in life sciences such as biology, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, or other area relevant to pharmaceutical IP practice.
- A United States law degree (JD) with a current “good standing” admission to at least one US state bar
- Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- 7+ years of experience in biologics, preferably cell and gene therapy, (biotechnology/pharmaceutical) intellectual property portfolio creation, strategy, and counseling
