Global Head of Intellectual Property

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 339,000 - 466,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda is seeking a Global Head of Intellectual Property to shape and execute a cohesive global IP program for small molecules to biologics. This leadership role covers patent portfolios, trademarks, and trade secrets, overseeing prosecution, enforcement, and transactional support across major markets including the US, Europe, China, and Japan.

The role requires extensive in-house pharma/IP experience, JD, and an advanced science degree, with leadership responsibility for a global IP team and

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school; advanced scientific degree strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of IP legal experience; at least 7+ years in-house in pharma/biotech.
• Registered to practice before the USPTO.
• Deep understanding of global patent law, regulatory data protection, and biopharmaceutical R&D.

Responsibilities

• Design, own, and continuously refine a worldwide IP strategy across key jurisdictions.
• Identify, capture, and evaluate inventions; conduct FTO, patentability, validity, and infringement analyses.
• Support lifecycle management, Hatch-Waxman counseling, Orange Book strategy, and PTE-related actions.
• Lead IP diligence and deal support for licensing, collaborations, and M&A; shape key IP terms.
• Direct IP litigation, opposition, and enforcement; manage budgets and outside counsel.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing in-house IP team and cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Global IP Strategy

Patent drafting

Prosecution

Litigation management

Licensing & M&A

People leadership

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Advanced scientific degree (PhD or Masters) in Chemistry/Biology

Job description

Job Description

About the role:

The Global Head of Intellectual Property (IP) is responsible for shaping and executing a cohesive global IP program to procure, prosecute, and protect innovative therapies, ranging from small molecules to biologics. This role involves developing strategies for patent portfolios, trademarks, and trade secrets while overseeing global patent prosecution, enforcement, litigation, and transactional support (licensing, M&A).

How you will contribute:

• Global IP Strategy: Design, own, and continuously refine a worldwide IP strategy aligned to business priorities and portfolio value. Lead patent drafting, filing, prosecution, and long-term maintenance across key jurisdictions (including the United States, Europe, China, Japan, and other priority markets), optimizing scope, cost, and risk.
• Pipeline Protection & Invention Capture: Serve as a strategic partner to R&D, Clinical, and other key functions to proactively identify, capture, and evaluate inventions. Build repeatable invention-harvesting processes and conduct/oversee freedom-to-operate (FTO), patentability, validity, and infringement analyses to guide development, partnering, and commercialization decisions.
• Lifecycle Management & Exclusivity Optimization: Support product launches and sustain competitive advantage through end-to-end lifecycle planning. Provide deep Hatch-Waxman counseling, including Orange Book strategy and listings, ANDA litigation readiness, and coordination of patent and regulatory exclusivity positions. Prepare and prosecute Patent Term Extension (PTE) applications and related exclusivity actions to maximize value.
• Transactional / Business Development Support: Lead IP diligence and deal support for licensing, collaborations, acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships. Identify IP assets and gaps, assess risks and value drivers, and negotiate/shape key IP terms (e.g., ownership, prosecution control, enforcement rights, royalties, and field/territory restrictions) to enable business objectives.
• Litigation, Opposition & Enforcement: Direct IP disputes and enforcement of matters globally, including patent litigation, oppositions, and administrative proceedings. Develop case strategy, manage budgets and timelines, oversee outside counsel and expert teams, and ensure consistent, business-focused positions across forums and geographies.
• People Leadership & Capability Building: Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing in-house team of IP attorneys, patent agents, and IP professionals. Set clear priorities, establish best practices and playbooks, drive operational excellence, and foster cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-impact IP outcome

Preferred Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school, with an advanced scientific degree (PhD or Masters) in Chemistry, Biology, or related field strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of relevant IP legal experience, with at least 7+ years of in-house experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Deep understanding of global patent law, regulatory data protection, and biopharmaceutical R&D.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location:

Boston, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$339,200.00 - $466,400.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

EEO Statement

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

Locations

Boston, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.