Life Sciences Patent Agent

Job Overview: A law firm is seeking a Life Sciences Patent Agent to join their team in Washington, DC. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications in the life sciences field, conducting prior art searches, and providing patentability analysis. This role also involves engaging in practice development activities, building client relationships, and offering valuable expertise in areas such as molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.

Job Details:

Duties:

• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• Conduct prior art searches and perform in-depth analysis.
• Provide patentability analysis.
• Engage in IP due diligence activities.
• Participate in practice development to establish 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.
• Convert prior provisional applications into utility applications.
• Convert foreign filed applications into U.S. applications.
• Convert U.S. applications into foreign applications.
• Study and analyze scientific or technical documents, including previously published patent documents, to assess patentability, novelty, and inventiveness.

Requirements:

• Hold an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in a biological field, such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or Biomedical Engineering, with outstanding academic credentials.
• Possess a minimum of 1 year of experience as a practicing patent agent in the life sciences field.
• Be 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:

• In-depth knowledge and expertise in life sciences, with a focus on molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.
• Strong analytical skills for assessing patentability and conducting prior art searches.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain client relationships.

Benefits offered: The firm provides a comprehensive benefits package, including a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits. Eligible employees can access 401(k) retirement plans and enjoy various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave.

One of DC's most powerful firms is this one. Truly an international giant in every sense of the word, business and finance, M&A, labor law and litigation reign supreme here although the IP practice is coming into its own also. Like many other large firms attrition is high at times, but overall the associates here are well-credentialed and well paid. In DC, this firm's litigation section, especially with respect to technology and intellectual property disputes, tops the list in terms of prestige. However, this is one of the few firms that virtually guarantees great work and top-notch training, regardless of the practice area.