Remote Senior Intellectual Property Counsel

Placements24; Kimberley; Remote; CAD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Professional development

Remote work flexibility

Performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Intellectual Property Counsel for a fully remote role in Canada. You will lead the patent strategy, supervise worldwide prosecution, and guide licensing, FTO analyses, and due diligence for strategic transactions in the life sciences sector.

The position requires a law degree, patent attorney registration, and 8+ years of IP experience with strong emphasis on biotech patent work.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in intellectual property law with emphasis on patent prosecution and strategy in life sciences.
• Admission to practice in a relevant jurisdiction and registration as a patent attorney is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the global IP strategy aligned with R&D and business goals.
• Manage filing and prosecution of patents worldwide in relevant biotech fields.
• Conduct FTO analyses and provide patentability and infringement opinions.
• Draft, review and negotiate IP licenses and related agreements.
• Perform IP due diligence for acquisitions, mergers and strategic partnerships.

Skills

IP strategy

Patent prosecution

Licensing

FTO analysis

M&A due diligence

Education

Law degree (LLB/JD)

Patent attorney registration

PhD preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing biotechnology company at the forefront of medical innovation, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to join their team on a fully remote basis. This role is crucial for safeguarding and maximizing the value of our client's extensive patent portfolio and other IP assets. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of IP strategy, including patent prosecution, IP licensing, freedom-to-operate analyses, and IP due diligence for strategic transactions. This remote-first position requires a deep understanding of patent law, particularly within the life sciences sector, and the ability to operate effectively in a global, fast-paced research and development environment. You will be a key advisor in protecting groundbreaking scientific advancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's global intellectual property strategy, aligned with R&D and business objectives.
• Manage the preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent applications worldwide in relevant technical fields.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses and provide opinions on patentability and infringement risks.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP licenses, collaboration agreements, and other IP-related contracts.
• Perform IP due diligence for potential acquisitions, mergers, and strategic partnerships.
• Advise on patentability assessments for new inventions and discoveries.
• Work closely with scientists and engineers to identify and capture patentable inventions.
• Monitor competitor IP activities and identify potential IP risks or opportunities.
• Support the enforcement of the company's IP rights and defend against third-party claims.
• Manage outside counsel engaged in IP-related matters.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admission to practice law in a relevant jurisdiction and registration as a patent attorney (or eligibility to register) is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience focused on intellectual property law, with significant expertise in patent prosecution and strategy within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences sector.
• Proven experience managing global patent portfolios.
• Strong understanding of patent law, including filing procedures, examination processes, and post-grant proceedings.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical and legal concepts clearly.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Experience with IP due diligence for M&A transactions is a strong advantage.
• A scientific or technical background (e.g., PhD, Master's in Biology, Chemistry, or related field) is highly preferred.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a highly competitive annual salary of R , along with a comprehensive benefits package, health insurance, and a significant performance bonus. Our client is dedicated to employee growth and provides ample opportunities for professional development and continuing education in IP law and emerging scientific fields. Working remotely offers unparalleled flexibility, supported by advanced collaboration tools and a culture that champions innovation and work-life integration. Join a leading biotech firm and shape the future of scientific innovation through expert IP management.