Patent Agent - Life Sciences

Job Overview:
A prestigious global law firm is looking to hire a Patent Agent to join its Intellectual Property Practice Group. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This role requires expertise in life sciences, particularly in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry. The position is available in multiple office locations with a hybrid in-office/remote work schedule. The Patent Agent will work closely with partners in the firm, handling substantial client responsibilities and providing top-tier legal services to both domestic and international clients.

Location:

• San Francisco, California

Duties:

• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications before the USPTO
• Conduct prior art searches and analyze relevant patents
• Perform patentability assessments and IP due diligence
• Develop and maintain client relationships through practice development activities
• Prepare and manage substantive client correspondence
• Instruct local counsel on foreign filings and Office Actions
• Assist with patent clearance studies and patent-related opinion work
• Apply advanced concepts in life sciences, with a focus on molecular biology, cell biology, or biochemistry
• Analyze scientific and technical documents, including patent publications, to assess patentability and novelty
• 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 life sciences or two years of professional experience in the field
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
• Strong technical background in life sciences (e.g., molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology)
• Exceptional writing, research, and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects

Education:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a biological field, such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or Biomedical Engineering
• Excellent academic credentials

Certifications:

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

Skills:

• Expertise in patent law and patent prosecution
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Advanced research skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills

Benefits:

• Hybrid work schedule with flexible office locations
• Law school tuition reimbursement program for employees pursuing a Juris Doctorate
• Equal employment opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Accommodation for applicants with disabilities or other needs

This large law firm opened with a labor and leveraged-leasing practice and quickly built a substantial corporate and litigation practice. Today, the firm focuses its practice on business and finance, investment management, litigation, labor and employment, real estate and environmental issues. Attorneys at the firm enjoy a faily casual, though conservative, environment where partners tend to be collegial and offer excellent formal and informal training programs. In addition to recieving fair market salaries, associates at the firm have the opportunity to participate in award winning pro bono work.