Group Lead Intellectual Property Counsel

Job Description

We are seeking an accomplished and strategic Group Lead Intellectual Property Counsel for Dr.Reddy's North America business. This role will partner closely with cross-functional leaders to design, direct, and execute robust IP strategies that protect and advance Dr. Reddy’s mission of providing affordable and innovative healthcare solutions.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute long-term IP strategies to support business growth, competitive positioning, and risk mitigation
• Manage a docket of North America patent litigation matters, including ANDA/ANDS, 505(b)(2), biosimilar, and other Hatch-Waxman and BPCIA litigations
• Guide the development and implementation of legal claims, defenses, and litigation strategies, including management of external counsel
• Ensure freedom-to-operate (FTO) for Dr. Reddy’s products across APIs, synthetic routes, formulations, and polymorphs
• Supervise and guide drafting, prosecution, and maintenance of patent applications in coordination with R&D and global teams
• Lead IP due diligence for in-licensing, partnerships, and other strategic collaborations
• Provide senior-level IP input to commercial teams to support portfolio shaping, launch planning, and deal evaluations
• Act as a key partner to R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Portfolio, and Business Development teams to ensure alignment of IP strategy with scientific and business priorities
• Counsel internal partners on regulatory and patent law matters, exclusive frameworks, litigation risks, and launch pathway scenarios

Qualifications

• Educational qualification: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; licensed to practice in New Jersey or at least one U.S. state with eligibility for the New Jersey in-house counsel license; registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Science or Engineering required; Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related disciplines preferred; advanced scientific degree (MS or PhD) highly desirable
• Minimum work experience: 12+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical patent law, including extensive Hatch-Waxman and BPCIA litigation experience; prior experience leading teams or managing complex, multi-stakeholder IP programs strongly preferred; demonstrated track record in developing and executing successful IP strategies in the generic, branded, or biosimilar pharmaceutical space; experience in IPR proceedings preferred

Skills & Attributes

• Deep expertise in patent litigation, prosecution, regulatory exclusivities, and pharmaceutical law
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire teams and influence at senior level
• Highest strategic mindset with the ability to balance legal risk with business objectives
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management abilities
• High degree of independence, ownership, and professional judgment