Intellectual Property (Patent) Associate Attorney

Job Title: Intellectual Property (Patent) Associate Attorney

Job Overview:
A Newark, NJ-based law firm with a robust life sciences practice seeks a seasoned Intellectual Property Associate to support its growing portfolio of pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. The role involves a sophisticated blend of patent portfolio strategy, litigation support, and client advisory, particularly centered around small molecule and biologics innovations. The ideal candidate will bring a sharp understanding of patent law as it applies to pharmaceutical products, a collaborative mindset, and a practical approach to solving IP-related challenges.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute domestic and international patent applications related to chemical compounds and biological inventions

• Evaluate and enhance exclusivity strategies for biopharma assets, including freedom-to-operate, invalidity, and non-infringement opinions

• Provide IP-related guidance to clients' R&D and commercial teams, translating complex legal risks into actionable business advice

• Support litigation teams during pharmaceutical patent disputes, including matters involving Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDA)

• Develop strong, long-term working relationships with scientists and product teams to proactively identify and secure protectable innovations

• Monitor patent landscapes and provide competitive intelligence to clients on a global scale

Requirements:

• Minimum 4 years of intellectual property experience focused on the life sciences or pharmaceutical sector

• Admission to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

• Prior experience working with small-molecule patent portfolios and/or biologics preferred

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously while maintaining seamless collaboration across legal and scientific teams

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, immunology, biochemistry, or a closely related field

Certifications:

• USPTO registration required

• State Bar membership in good standing

Skills:

• Strong technical writing skills for patent drafting and correspondence

• Proven ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear legal arguments

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for client interaction and team collaboration

• Meticulous attention to detail, with an ability to manage multiple deadlines efficiently

• Capable of providing decisive recommendations with sound legal judgment

• Experience advising clients on patentability, validity, and freedom-to-operate in the global pharmaceutical market

Job Location:

• Newark, NJ

Providing transactional, litigation, and counseling services to leading businesses, this law firm is ranked among the nation's top-250 firms. The firm's attorneys bring strong knowledge of a broad spectrum of practice areas, including business and commercial litigation, corporate, criminal defense, employment, financial restructuring, creditors' rights, government affairs, intellectual property, products liability, real property, and environmental law. If you wish to join a law firm that takes pride in its policies of exceptional personal service, early evaluation, prompt reporting, diversity of practice, and sensitivity to the needs of its clients, your search ends here.