Patent Agent - Life Sciences

Job Overview:
A prestigious law firm is seeking an experienced Patent Agent to join its Intellectual Property Practice Group. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), with a focus on life sciences, including molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry. This is a hybrid position, offering a flexible in-office and remote work schedule across multiple office locations. The role will involve close collaboration with intellectual property partners and provide significant client-facing responsibilities, delivering high-quality legal services to both domestic and international clients.

Location:

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Duties:

• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications before the USPTO
• Perform prior art searches and patentability analysis
• Conduct IP due diligence
• Build and maintain client relationships through practice development activities
• Draft substantive client correspondence
• Instruct local counsel for foreign filings and Office Actions
• Assist with patent clearance studies and patent-related opinion projects
• Apply advanced life sciences concepts, with a focus on molecular biology, cell biology, or biochemistry
• Study and analyze scientific and technical documents, including published patents, to assess patentability, novelty, and inventiveness
• 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 knowledge in life sciences, particularly molecular biology, cell biology, or biochemistry
• Excellent writing, research, and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with 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
• Strong academic credentials

Certifications:

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

Skills:

• Expertise in patent prosecution and patent law
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities
• High proficiency in written and verbal communication
• Exceptional research skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Benefits:

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

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.