Patent Counsel

Merck

Cambridge (MA)

Hybrid

USD 170,000 - 230,000

Full time

10 hours ago

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Job summary

Merck in Cambridge, MA is seeking a skilled Patent Attorney to work with our internal R&D team to identify inventions, draft and prosecute patent applications, and support global IP strategies across biopharmaceutical platforms.

The role involves collaborating with in-house attorneys, regulatory, and business development teams to secure robust IP protection, perform freedom-to-operate analyses, and contribute to strategic initiatives while traveling as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biological, pharmaceutical or chemical sciences and US law degree.
US bar admission and USPTO registration or equivalent.
5+ years of attorney experience drafting and prosecuting pharmaceutical or biological patent applications.
Strong technical background in chemical or biological sciences.
Excellent communication and analytical skills.
Experience in cross-functional collaboration with R&D, regulatory and business teams.

Responsibilities

Develop patenting strategies with product development teams to build robust IP portfolios.
Draft and prosecute patent applications globally for vaccines, biologics, or chemical therapeutics.
Support opposition or other proceedings with internal litigation colleagues.
Collaborate with in-house patent attorneys, paralegals and support staff.
Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses for R&D activities.
Assist IP due diligence for alliances, collaborations or acquisitions.

Skills

Excellent communication

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Legal drafting experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological/chemical sciences

Juris Doctor from an accredited US law school

Job description

Patent Attorney

Are you interested in the intersection of scientific innovation and property law, especially how to efficiently capture innovation with intellectual property, incentivize continued R&D and drive access to life‑saving medicines for patients? If so, the Patent Counsel role at our Company could be an ideal opportunity for you. We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team in New Jersey or Massachusetts.

Job Description

Patent Attorney

In this role, you will work directly with our internal R&D team to identify inventions, conduct patentability assessments, and draft and prosecute patent applications for novel chemical sciences inventions. The position will support programs in all phases of development, from discovery through development and commercialization, and allows for the support of programs in areas (including different therapeutic areas and modalities). This role also provides exposure to and interaction with major areas of the business including discovery, development, manufacturing, and supply, regulatory, business development, commercial groups, and other legal functions.

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

Working independently through product development teams to devise a patenting strategy with the goal of building robust portfolios of intellectual property for cutting‑edge biopharmaceutical products;
Drafting and prosecuting patent applications related to our Company’s products, product candidates and platform technologies on a global basis;
Working with internal litigation colleagues to support oppositions, or other proceedings related to your supported programs;
Working with a large team of in‑house U.S. and European patent attorneys, paralegals, legal operations and support staff, and local agents;
Conducting freedom to operate analyses for our Company’s R&D activities; and
Actively supporting various business development activities (e.g., research collaborations and acquisitions) by conducting IP due diligence on assets or technology of interest, counseling the business as to IP expectations, and supporting the drafting and negotiation of related agreements, all while working with a team of scientific, legal and commercial functions.; Some domestic and international travel may be required.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in the biological, pharmaceutical or chemical sciences from an accredited institution; and
Graduate of an accredited US law school.
Registered to practice before the USPTO;
Member in good standing of a Bar of at least one state or the District of Columbia;
Five (5) or more years of experience as an attorney in a law firm or corporate setting, drafting and prosecuting pharmaceutical or biological patent applications (Note: time accrued as a practicing patent agent may be considered);
Strong technical background in chemical or biological sciences; and
Excellent communication and analytical skills.

Preferred Experience And Skills

Advanced degree in the biological or chemical sciences;
Experience in counseling clients on intellectual property issues;
Experience prioritizing work and leveraging resources to manage a significant workload;
Ability to build partnerships and work in cross‑functional teams;
Ability to communicate competently and confidently with R&D clients, business partners, and senior leaders;
Ability to exercise judgment to drive decisions on routine and non‑routine matters within areas of practice; and
Ability to be proactive and take initiative.

Required Skills

Biopharmaceutical Industry, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Biopharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceutics, Business Development, Business Partnerships, Client Counseling, Confidentiality, Cross‑Cultural Awareness, Detail‑Oriented, Exercises Judgment, In House Recruitment, Intellectual Property Counseling, Intellectual Property Law, Intellectual Property Portfolio Management, Legal Research, Legal Strategies, Negotiation, Patent Analysis, Patent Applications, Patent Examination, Patent Preparation, Patent Prosecution, Personal Initiative, Taking Initiative

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

Requirements

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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San Francisco Residents Only:

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

1st - Day

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