Chemistry Patent Prosecution Patent Agent

A law firm located in Washington, DC is seeking a Chemistry Patent Prosecution Patent Agent to join their Intellectual Property (IP) Prosecution team. The ideal candidate will hold an advanced degree in medicinal or organic chemistry and will support patent-related activities, including prosecution, freedom to operate analysis, and due diligence work. This role involves assessing scientific literature, conducting comprehensive searches, and drafting patent applications under the supervision of IP partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess scientific literature, patents, and patent application documents related to organic, synthetic, medicinal chemistry, and material science.
• Provide insightful opinions on scientific data relating to inventions.
• Conduct comprehensive searches for scientific articles, patents, and patent application documents relevant to the subject of an invention.
• Perform in-depth analysis comparing inventions with existing discoveries or inventions, and identify essential elements, features, or components.
• Compose patent applications, including a comprehensive background, description of critical features, and a set of claims defining the invention.
• Draft responses to patent rejections from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and other worldwide patent offices, providing detailed analysis and persuasive arguments.
• Present ideas, reasoning, and conclusions concisely to colleagues and provide constructive feedback on their ideas.
• Collaborate with clients on innovative technologies to procure patent protection and build IP portfolios.
• Work under the supervision and guidance of partners in the IP section.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. degree in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry, or a minimum of 3 years of post-baccalaureate laboratory research experience.
• USPTO admission required.
• 2+ years of patent prosecution experience.
• Ability to present scientific concepts and analysis clearly to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Proven ability to collaborate and work effectively in team settings.

Education:

• Ph.D. degree in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry, or equivalent post-baccalaureate laboratory research experience.

Certifications:

• USPTO admission required.

Skills:

• Proficiency in assessing scientific literature and patent documents related to chemical subjects.
• Strong analytical skills for comparing inventions with existing discoveries.
• Excellent drafting skills for patent applications and responses.
• Ability to articulate scientific and legal concepts clearly and persuasively.
• Organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage competing responsibilities.
• Collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively within a team environment.

Built on excellence and driven by change, this AmLaw 100 firm is appealing to associates for its nimble, collaborative legal teams addressing the shifting legal and regulatory requirements of the global market?s most competitive industries. Associates regard the firm as one of the ?heathiest work environments? they have worked in, as well as dealing with interesting work and early responsibility or junior associates. The firm is dedicated to pro bono work, using their program to provide training and guidance for associates. Compensation at this firm is competitive with peer firms in the region.