Head of Intellectual Property, Senior Director

Tbwa Chiat/Day Inc; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as the Head of Intellectual Property, Senior Director, where you will lead the global IP strategy and operations. This role is crucial for ensuring the protection of innovative treatments in cardiovascular health. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage a diverse IP portfolio, and negotiate key licensing agreements. The ideal candidate will have a JD, over a decade of experience in IP law, and a passion for advancing scientific discoveries. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a mission-driven organization focused on patient care and innovation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in intellectual property law required.
• Strong experience in patent prosecution and IP licensing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive IP strategy aligned with business goals.
• Oversee patent filings and manage global IP portfolio.

Skills

Intellectual Property Law

Patent Strategy

Negotiation Skills

Problem-Solving

Team Leadership

Communication Skills

Education

JD (Juris Doctor)

PhD in Chemistry or Biochemistry

Job description

Head of Intellectual Property, Senior Director

About Us

Kardigan is a heart health company working to make cardiovascular disease preventable, curable and no longer the leading cause of death in the world. It is our mission to develop multiple targeted treatments in parallel that bring people with cardiovascular diseases to the cures they deserve.

At Kardigan, we are motivated by our values which guide how we work, interact, and achieve our goals. Driven by patients and their families, we are deeply committed to improving the lives of patients and prioritizing their needs above all else. We believe in being authentic—leading with truth to bring out the best in others by creating an environment where every person knows they will be fully accepted. With an eagerness to learn, we encourage the highest levels of curiosity and are open to changing our minds. We are committed to winning as a team with urgency, excellence, and intention, and support each other no matter what role we play or where we sit. Lastly, we strive to enable the impossible because patients are counting on us. We are not afraid to take risks to unlock innovation and advance scientific discoveries.

These values are the foundation of our work, empowering us to make a real difference, every day.

Position Title: Head of Intellectual Property, Senior Director

Reports To: General Counsel

Job Overview

Kardigan is seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Intellectual Property, Senior Director, to lead and manage our global intellectual property (IP) strategy and operations, playing a critical role in our company’s success. As the Head of Intellectual Property, you will oversee the development and execution of the IP strategy, including managing the IP portfolio, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, and ensuring the company’s IP assets are properly protected. This position requires a strong foundation in IP law, patent strategy, portfolio management, and licensing. You will manage the lifecycle of IP assets, establish best practices in IP processes, and ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations. This is a unique opportunity for building and leading IP strategy at a company with both early and late stage programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IP strategy that aligns with the company’s business objectives. Manage the global IP portfolio, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, ensuring its alignment with strategic goals. Lead efforts to identify, protect, and leverage key IP assets in support of innovation and growth.
• Oversee patent filings, prosecutions, and patent portfolio management, including developing strategies for global patent protection for both early and late stage programs. Work with external counsel and internal stakeholders to draft and prosecute patents and ensure timely strategic filings.
• Negotiate IP licensing agreements, including in-bound and out-bound licensing, technology transfers, and other IP-related transactions. Work closely with the business development team to structure deals that maximize the value of the company’s IP.
• Serve as the key advisor on IP matters to the executive leadership team and board of directors. Regularly report on the status of the company’s IP assets, associated risks, and opportunities, ensuring that IP strategy is aligned with overall business goals.
• Partner with R&D, business development, legal, and program teams to ensure IP strategy is integrated into all stages of product development and commercialization.
• Develop and implement strategies for identifying and mitigating IP risks and managing disputes that may include litigation, post-grant proceedings, IPRs and oppositions.
• Develop and implement training programs to educate internal teams on IP matters, best practices, and legal considerations.

Qualifications and Preferred Skills

• JD required with 10+ years of experience in intellectual property law.
• Member of a state bar in good standing.
• Advanced degree in chemistry, biochemistry or related field required; PhD preferred.
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Proven expertise in patent prosecution, IP licensing, and managing IP portfolios in a global context and for both early and late stage programs.
• Strong experience in negotiating and drafting complex IP agreements, including licensing, joint development, and technology transfer agreements.
• Demonstrated success in aligning IP strategy with business objectives in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries.
• Proven ability to build and lead a high-performing team, with experience in mentoring and developing IP professionals.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with senior leadership and external partners.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on risk mitigation and operational efficiency.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues.
• Deep understanding of IP law and practice across multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong knowledge of biotechnology, life sciences, and related industries, with a particular focus on clinical trials, product development, and partnerships.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills, able to manage complex IP portfolios and projects effectively.
• Understands and supports a “patient-first” mentality.