Patent Agent (Biology)

Job Overview

A law firm seeks a Patent Agent specializing in Biology to join their Patent & Intellectual Property department in Boston. The role involves working with life sciences and tech companies, investors, and universities to manage global patent portfolios and develop IP strategies.

Duties

• Draft patent applications.
• Prosecute patent applications in the US and direct worldwide prosecution.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate searches and analyses.
• Perform IP landscape analyses.
• Conduct IP due diligence for asset purchases or securities offerings.
• Perform invalidity and non-infringement analyses.
• Counsel clients on prosecution strategy.
• Monitor competitor patent applications and file observations.
• Assist with contested cases at the US Patent Office or in US district court.
• Support agreements for licenses and research collaborations.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in biological sciences (Ph.D. preferred; master's with substantial industry experience considered).
• 3-6 years of experience as a patent agent.
• Prior firm experience and USPTO registration.
• Excellent academic record and superior organizational and communication skills.
• Commitment to exceptional client service and a creative, entrepreneurial IP perspective.
• Experience in litigation and/or post-grant proceedings is a plus.

Education

• Advanced degree in biological sciences.

Certifications

• USPTO registration.

Skills

• Strong technical background in biological sciences.
• Superior organizational and communication skills.
• Creative and entrepreneurial approach to IP.

Benefits

• Hybrid work model with office presence required at least four days per week.
• Market-based compensation and bonus opportunities.
• Generous benefits package.

This large Boston firm has a surprisingly good government and regulatory practice, with the added bonus that their attorneys do not have to split their work with Washington DC lawyers in the same practice. This is a firm made up of well-rounded but most certainly well-pedigreed attorneys who come off unusually polished and professional. Associates here are generally quite satisfied, if not a little put off by what at times can be a bit of a competitive environment, both inside and outside the office. The strengths are that associates generally know whether they are 'on track' to make partner, and work in an environment that is designed with the appropriate mentoring and support staff to help associate development and training along.