Senior Patent Leader - Due Diligence & Portfolio Strategy

Cari; København; On-site; DKK 932,000 - 1,370,000; Full time

Job summary

Novo Nordisk is seeking a Principal Patent Attorney to lead due diligence for licensing or acquisition opportunities and oversee onboarding of patent portfolios after transactions. You will translate complex assessments into clear recommendations, manage portfolio strategies, and align patent work with R&D and business priorities.

The role requires strong experience in the pharmaceutical sector, global collaboration, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across regions.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in chemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences or related field.
• Qualified European Patent Attorney or US Patent Attorney.
• 6–8 years of patent experience in pharma or life sciences, in-house or private practice.
• Proven management of complex patent portfolios and freedom-to-operate matters.
• Experience conducting patent due diligence for licensing or acquisition.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical industry aligning patent decisions with R&D and business.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and collaborate across disciplines and geographies.

Responsibilities

• Lead patent due diligence for external pipeline opportunities (licensing or acquisition).
• Translate due diligence findings into actionable recommendations and risk mitigation plans.
• Lead onboarding and integration of patent portfolios after successful transactions, aligned with strategies.
• Develop and execute patent strategies for internal R&D projects.
• Manage global patent portfolios including drafting and prosecution.
• Assess third-party patents and FTO risks, translating findings into practical mitigations.
• Lead European patent opposition and appeal proceedings; contribute to patent litigation.
• Advise senior stakeholders and governance bodies on complex patent matters.
• Mentor colleagues and evolve patent practices, including AI-enabled workflows.

Skills

Advanced science degree

European Patent Attorney

Patent experience 6-8 years

FTO experience

Portfolio management

Risk mitigation

Patent due diligence

Pharma industry knowledge

Stakeholder influence

Cross-functional collaboration

Opposition & appeal

Education

Advanced scientific degree in chemistry/biology/pharmaceutical sciences

Job description

Novo Nordisk is seeking a Principal Patent Attorney to lead due diligence for licensing or acquisition opportunities and oversee onboarding of patent portfolios after transactions. You will translate complex assessments into clear recommendations, manage portfolio strategies, and align patent work with R&D and business priorities.

The role requires strong experience in the pharmaceutical sector, global collaboration, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across regions.