Patent Law Job Description

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Attorneys who practice patent law handle diverse legal matters involving patents - which are ownership interests in the form of intellectual property known as patents.Patent attorneys litigate patent infringement cases in court, draft patent-related contracts and also prepare, file, and prosecute applications for new patents with the United States Patent &Trademark Office (the "USPTO").

Attorneys who practice patent law must have several degrees and certifications.They must have graduated from law school and have been admitted to the state bar.They also must be members of the federal Patent Bar.Further, they must have graduate-level degrees in the scientific or engineering field in which the work.Patent attorneys who handle patents involving hard sciences have degrees in electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, physics or astrophysics.Patent attorneys who handle patents involvinglife sciences have degrees in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, organic chemistry, genetics, neuroscience, medicine or chemical engineering.Patent attorneys who work with patents involving machines have degrees in mechanical engineering.

Here are a few sample patent law job descriptions:

Biotech Patent Lawyer

The candidate should have 1-2 years of experience, strong academic credentials, and exceptional analytical skills and writing ability. Strong biotech background required. Ph.D. Degree in a biotech field preferred. Must have a J.D. Degree from an ABA-approved law school and be an active member in good standing of the Bar.

Senior Counsel -- Biotech Patent Law

The candidate will be involved in drafting and prosecuting global patent applications relating to biological molecules (e.g., antibodies and other polypeptides), research and licensing agreements, legal opinions and strategies, trademark and copyright matters, and potentially patent litigation support. Identifying patentable subject matter; drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications; developing and implementing IP strategies for products and product candidates; analyzing patents and preparing freedom-to-operate opinions; conducting due diligence in support of licensing activities; negotiating and drafting research agreements; providing advice and counsel to R&D and business personnel on a variety of IP related matters; assisting with litigation-related matters and challenging/defending patents in PTAB, opposition, and other forums. Will work individually and in legal teams and cross-functional R&D and business teams.

Qualifications: JD Degree from an accredited law school and admission to practice law required & 4 years of experience practicing patent or intellectual property Law. Admission to practice before U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. An advanced degree or experience in biology. Preferred: 10+ years of experience practicing patent or intellectual property Law. Experience in all aspects of U.S. and foreign intellectual property law relating to biotechnology, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry with a law firm or corporation. Excellent analytic, legal drafting and oral and written communication skills. Strong management and leadership skills as well as a strong client service focus and the ability to work independently and in teams; ability to work efficiently, to prioritize workflow, to meet demanding deadlines, and to manage multi-dimensional projects in a fast-paced environment.

Senior Counsel -- Biotech Patent Law

The candidate will be involved in drafting and prosecuting global patent applications relating to biological molecules (e.g., antibodies and other polypeptides), research and licensing agreements, legal opinions and strategies, trademark and copyright matters, and potentially patent litigation support. Identifying patentable subject matter; drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications; developing and implementing IP strategies for products and product candidates; analyzing patents and preparing freedom-to-operate opinions; conducting due diligence in support of licensing activities; negotiating and drafting research agreements; providing advice and counsel to R&D and business personnel on a variety of IP related matters; assisting with litigation-related matters and challenging/defending patents in PTAB, opposition, and other forums. Will work individually and in legal teams and cross-functional R&D and business teams.

Qualifications: JD Degree from an accredited law school and admission to practice law required and 4 years of experience practicing patent or intellectual property Law. Admission to practice before U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. An advanced degree or experience in biology. Preferred: 10+ years of experience practicing patent or intellectual property Law. Experience in all aspects of U.S. and foreign intellectual property law relating to biotechnology, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry with a law firm or corporation. Excellent analytic, legal drafting and oral and written communication skills. Strong management and leadership skills as well as a strong client service focus and the ability to work independently and in teams; ability to work efficiently, to prioritize workflow, to meet demanding deadlines, and to manage multi-dimensional projects in a fast-paced environment.

Patent Lawyer

The candidate must preferably have 3-5 years of experience in patent prosecution or patent litigation in the technical fields of clients, or related industries. Partners with books of business will be considered. Applicant should preferably be registered before the US Patent and Trademark Office. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer science are preferred, as well as a Juris Doctorate degree.    

Patent Law Clerk (Chemist) Legal Support Services 1

The Clerk will be directly supervised by an attorney and get individualized patent law training. Will: preparing and filing new patent applications and other patent prosecution documents; conducting client technology and patent portfolio assessments; supporting business development; managing large domestic and foreign dockets and other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications: An advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D., and significant graduate level experience. Training in the fields of organic chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, and pharmacy (particularly formulation development) are preferred. An ability to handle additional technological areas such as the biological sciences is a plus and should be noted in your application. Must have excellent academic credentials and strong verbal and written communication skills. Law school or prior legal training or enrollment in law school.'

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