Patent Agent - Life Sciences

Job Overview:
A prominent law firm is seeking an experienced Patent Agent to join its award-winning Intellectual Property Practice Group. The ideal candidate will have at least one year of patent agent experience in the life sciences field or two years of professional experience in life sciences. This position will involve preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), along with performing patentability analysis, IP due diligence, and assisting with various other IP-related tasks. The role offers a hybrid working schedule, allowing a mix of remote and in-office work.

Location:

• Boston, Massachusetts

Duties:

• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Perform prior art searches and analysis.
• Conduct patentability analysis and provide IP due diligence.
• Assist with practice development activities to build and maintain client relationships.
• Prepare substantive client correspondence.
• Instruct local counsel for foreign filings and Office Actions.
• Assist in patent clearance studies and other patent-related opinion projects.
• Apply advanced concepts in life sciences, especially in molecular biology, cell biology, and/or biochemistry.
• Study and analyze scientific or technical documents, including patent documents, to assess patentability, novelty, and inventiveness.
• Convert provisional applications into utility applications.
• Convert foreign-filed applications into U.S. applications and vice versa.

Requirements:

• At least one year of experience as a practicing patent agent in the life sciences field or two years of professional experience in life sciences.
• Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in biological sciences, such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or Biomedical Engineering.
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Excellent writing, research, and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Education:

• Master’s or PhD in a biological field (e.g., Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering).

Certifications:

• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Skills:

• Expertise in patent prosecution and IP law, particularly in life sciences.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to assess patentability, novelty, and inventiveness.
• Proficiency in preparing and filing patent applications.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Benefits:

• Hybrid work schedule (remote and in-office).
• Law school tuition reimbursement program for eligible employees pursuing a Juris Doctorate.
• Equal opportunity employment and accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

This firms Boston office provides a full range of litigation, finance, corporate, restructuring, intellectual property, and employment and benefit services. They assist clients in addressing and preparing for challenges in immense and rapidly changing environments. They represent each client with equal dedication to understanding and advancing their best interests. This firm employs patent agents, lawyers, regulatory scientists, employee benefits advisers, and other professionals to create a superior network of legal professionals across the globe.