Biotechnology Patent Attorney

A law firm in San Diego, CA, is seeking an experienced Biotechnology Patent Attorney to join its growing intellectual property practice. The attorney will work closely with early- to mid-stage biotechnology, bioinformatics, biopharmaceutical, and diagnostics clients, engaging in all aspects of patent law, from drafting to prosecution and IP due diligence. The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate degree in life sciences, with preference given to those holding advanced degrees. This role is ideal for a seasoned patent attorney with a strong life sciences background and a passion for working in cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and medical devices. The firm offers a percentage-based compensation plan that rewards performance while maintaining work-life balance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engage directly with biotechnology and life sciences clients to gather and coordinate invention disclosures.
• Draft patent applications focused on biotechnology, bioinformatics, diagnostics, and related life sciences fields.
• Prosecute U.S. patent applications, including preparing responses to office actions and managing all interactions with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Oversee the prosecution of foreign patent applications, coordinating with foreign associates to ensure successful outcomes.
• Conduct patentability, landscape, freedom-to-operate, validity, and infringement analyses to guide clients on IP strategy.
• Provide IP support for due diligence in connection with investments, mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations, and international licenses.
• Work closely with experts in convergent technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and medical devices, and collaborate with FDA regulatory advisors and technology transactions lawyers.
• Maintain strong communication with clients to keep them informed of the status of their IP portfolios and provide strategic advice on protecting their intellectual property.
• Stay updated on legal developments, particularly in biotechnology, and communicate potential impacts to clients.
• Develop and maintain a strong professional network within the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

Requirements:

• 5-8 years of experience in biotechnology patent prosecution, including substantial experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications.
• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is required.
• Strong understanding of U.S. patent law, international patent law, and patent prosecution processes.
• Experience conducting patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and infringement analyses in the biotechnology field.
• Experience supporting IP due diligence for investments, mergers, and acquisitions, particularly in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors.
• Strong client-facing skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical and legal concepts clearly and effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and clients efficiently.

Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Undergraduate degree in life sciences (e.g., molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, organic chemistry, immunology, etc.) is required.
• Advanced degrees in relevant life sciences fields (e.g., PhD or Master’s) are preferred.
• Active registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Skills:

• Strong technical understanding of biotechnology and life sciences, with the ability to draft complex patent applications in these fields.
• Proficiency in patent prosecution before the USPTO and managing foreign patent portfolios.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Strong oral and written communication abilities, with the capability to interact with both technical and non-technical clients.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, including working closely with other legal professionals and regulatory experts.
• Familiarity with convergent technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and medical devices is a plus.

Benefits:

• Percentage-based compensation plan that generously rewards hard work and client management, offering flexibility for maintaining a balanced work-life environment.
• Opportunities for career development and advancement within a growing IP practice.
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment.
• Access to cutting-edge biotechnology and convergent technology clients and cases.
• Health, dental, and retirement benefits, with a flexible work schedule.