Life Sciences Patent Agent

A law firm is seeking a Life Sciences Patent Agent to join their team in Philadelphia, PA. The Life Sciences Patent Agent will play a crucial role in preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications before the US Patent and Trademark Office, specializing in life sciences. Below are the key details for this position:

Job Overview: The Life Sciences Patent Agent will be responsible for patent application preparation and prosecution, prior art searches, IP due diligence, and practice development activities, with a focus on molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry. The candidate should hold an advanced degree in a biological field, possess a minimum of 1 year of experience as a practicing patent agent in life sciences, and be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Job Duties:

• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• Conduct prior art searches and analyses.
• Perform patentability analysis.
• Engage in IP due diligence activities.
• Participate in practice development to build and maintain client relationships.
• Draft 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, particularly in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.
• Study and analyze scientific or technical documents, including previously published patent documents, to assess patentability, novelty, and inventiveness.
• Convert prior provisional applications into utility applications.
• Convert foreign filed applications into U.S. applications.
• Convert U.S. applications into foreign applications.

Requirements:

• An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in a biological field, including Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or Biomedical Engineering, with excellent academic credentials.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a practicing patent agent in the field of life sciences.
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Education:

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in a biological field.

Certifications:

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

Skills:

• Strong expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.
• Proficient in patent application preparation and prosecution.
• Prior art search and analysis skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for drafting client correspondence.
• Ability to conduct patentability analysis.
• Familiarity with IP due diligence.
• Practice development and client relationship-building skills.

Benefits Offered: The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, financial, and other benefits such as 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, including vacation, sick time, and parental leave.

This is one of the top law firms in the country to work forin its huge Philadelphia office, this firm draws rave reviews. Although much more a large firm atmosphere than most of the East Coast (non-New York) based firms, this firm has one of the most exciting full service practices around. However, it is not easy to get in with this fairly elite group of attorneys--they are very picky about their candidates. The culture here is fairly competitive--although the partners take care of their own, this is a group of high powered professionals who are used to acheiving at very high levels--and used to beating out the guy next door. This internal drive will keep associates staying later and later to earn bragging rights on occasion--but it's not as if the work isn't abundant enough to keep you there.