Senior Patent Counsel — Pharma IP Strategy Leader

BioSpace; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 230,000 - 372,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

401(k) plan

Pension

Medical benefits

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Lilly is seeking an experienced patent attorney to provide strategic IP counselling for pharmaceutical development and commercialization. You will collaborate with the Legal Patent team, project teams, and executive leadership, managing key assets with responsibility and independence.

The role reports to the Associate Vice President – IP Procurement and Strategy and requires a strong background in patent prosecution and freedom-to-operate analyses across global jurisdictions.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited US institution.
• At least ten years of post-JD experience as a practicing patent attorney in a law firm or industry, with pharmaceutical asset strategies and patent prosecution.
• US bar admission and USPTO representation in patent matters in good standing.
• Science background for communicating with scientists about discovery, development, and commercialization of pharma products.

Responsibilities

• Develop global patent strategies for pharmaceutical assets, including filing strategies, drafting and prosecuting patent applications, and FTO assessments.
• Advise on exclusivity, patentability, freedom to operate, and risks with clear communication to leadership.
• Lead with continuous improvement; stay current on laws, precedents, and regulations relevant to pharma products.
• Prioritize, lead, and manage projects; contribute to policy improvements and team collaboration.

Skills

patent strategy

leadership

stakeholder management

pharma IP experience

communication

problem solving

multitasking

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Science degree

Job description

Lilly is seeking an experienced patent attorney to provide strategic IP counselling for pharmaceutical development and commercialization. You will collaborate with the Legal Patent team, project teams, and executive leadership, managing key assets with responsibility and independence.

The role reports to the Associate Vice President – IP Procurement and Strategy and requires a strong background in patent prosecution and freedom-to-operate analyses across global jurisdictions.