Patent Agent

Job Title: Patent Agent

Job Location:
Boston, MA

Job Overview:
A distinguished law firm headquartered in Boston is actively seeking a seasoned Patent Agent to contribute to a dynamic intellectual property team with a strong emphasis on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. This role supports cross-disciplinary legal professionals and clients in advancing innovation protection strategies, particularly in the life sciences sector. The ideal candidate brings deep scientific expertise and patent prosecution experience and will play a pivotal role in advising on and executing patent strategy, drafting and filing, and coordinating international filings.

Duties:

• Analyze the patentability of scientific innovations across a spectrum of technologies

• Draft and file U.S. patent applications, and manage the patent prosecution process

• Collaborate with foreign legal representatives to coordinate international patent protection

• Support transactional due diligence related to intellectual property assets

• Conduct detailed legal and scientific research related to patents and other forms of IP

• Advise legal and business stakeholders on patent portfolio strategy and optimization

• Liaise between legal departments and external counsel on IP initiatives

• Assist with strategic planning related to IP lifecycle and commercialization potential

Requirements:

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in patent prosecution within a legal or in-house environment

• Demonstrated focus on life sciences, including biotech, pharma, or medical device sectors

• Working knowledge of mechanical or electrical patent matters is considered a valuable asset

• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to manage complex technical subject matter

• Proven ability to communicate effectively within interdisciplinary teams

Education:

• Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences discipline (e.g., molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering)

Certifications:

• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), or eligible to sit for the Patent Bar shortly

Skills:

• High level of scientific literacy across life sciences domains

• Exceptional writing and drafting skills with attention to technical precision

• Comfortable managing multiple projects in a collaborative, fast-paced setting

• Strong interpersonal skills with client-facing experience preferred

• Technologically savvy, with a detail-oriented and methodical approach to IP documentation

We get a lot of questions about a firm's pro bono policy. The truth is that while many firms have pro bono programs, but many don't really create a situation where an associate is encouraged to give back to the community. This firm is one of the best we've seen for creating incentives for associates to really give back to the community in a variety of ways, including providing low cost legal services. All this in a corporate firm with a full service practice. This large Northeastern firm is polished, with devoted small, regional, and some national clientele. Don't be fooled, this firm expects serious contributions in terms of billable hours, especially in their complex insurance practice, but is happy to dole out the rewards.