Patent Prosecution (Organic Chemistry) Associate

Job Overview

A law firm is seeking an experienced Patent Prosecution Associate to join its Intellectual Property team in the Atlanta office. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years of experience in patent prosecution, including drafting patent applications, conducting validity and freedom-to-operate analyses, and supporting IP litigation and post-grant proceedings. The role involves handling patent matters related to small molecule pharmaceuticals, with a focus on organic or medicinal chemistry. The firm offers significant responsibility, client interaction, and opportunities for professional growth in the field of intellectual property law.

Location

• Atlanta, GA

Duties

• Draft and prosecute patent applications related to small molecule pharmaceuticals.

• Conduct patent validity, non-infringement, and freedom-to-operate analyses.

• Support IP due diligence processes, patent litigations, and post-grant proceedings (IPR, PGR, interferences).

• Handle other intellectual property matters related to organic and medicinal chemistry.

• Provide legal guidance on patent-related issues to clients in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Collaborate with a team of legal professionals on various patent prosecution and litigation tasks.

• Manage client interactions and provide significant responsibility in IP matters.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of substantive experience in patent prosecution, including drafting and prosecuting patent applications.

• Experience with patent validity, non-infringement, and freedom-to-operate analyses.

• Experience supporting patent litigations, post-grant proceedings, and other IP matters related to pharmaceuticals.

• Advanced degree in chemistry (Ph.D. preferred or M.S. with several years of industry experience) with an emphasis in organic or medicinal chemistry.

• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

• Admission to a State Bar (Georgia preferred).

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Strong academic background and a demonstrated interest in teamwork and client interaction.

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred, or M.S. with several years of industry experience) in organic or medicinal chemistry.

Certifications

• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

• Admission to a State Bar (Georgia preferred).

Skills

• Expertise in patent prosecution for small molecule pharmaceuticals.

• Strong legal writing and drafting skills, with attention to detail.

• In-depth knowledge of patent validity, non-infringement, and freedom-to-operate analyses.

• Familiarity with post-grant proceedings (IPR, PGR, interferences) and IP litigation.

• Strong communication skills for client interactions and teamwork.

• Ability to work independently and handle significant responsibilities.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development in intellectual property law.

• Significant client interaction and responsibility.

• Collaborative and supportive team environment.

Associates say that this Vault 20 law firm offers consistently substantive work across all levels of seniority and a collegial atmosphere. The prestigious firm, which has offices located across the country, provides valuable training and abundant mentorship opportunities to its associates, as well as a partner-track atmosphere that strives for high associate retention. Associates also praise the firm for its generous pro-bono and face-time policies.