Patent Agent

Your Role

Patent Agent
As a Patent Agent on our Intellectual Property (IP) team, you will be a key partner to our R&D organization, playing a crucial role in protecting Elanco’s cutting-edge science. In this role, you'll be responsible for advancing our small and/or large molecule programs by drafting and prosecuting high-quality patent applications. Your work will directly contribute to safeguarding the innovation that drives our mission to enrich life.

Responsibilities

• Draft, file, and prosecute high-quality U.S. patent applications before the USPTO, collaborating closely with R&D scientists to identify and protect innovations.
• Manage a global patent portfolio by directing and overseeing outside counsel for international patent prosecution, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Conduct and analyze prior art searches, freedom-to-operate (FTO), and patent landscape assessments to guide R&D and patent filing strategies.
• Provide key intellectual property support for due diligence activities and partner with legal, regulatory, and business development teams to align IP strategy with business goals.
• Foster a culture of IP awareness by educating and training R&D teams and monitoring competitor patent activity to inform and manage Elanco's IP portfolio.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific/technical field.
• Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in patent prosecution and portfolio management.
• Professional Certification: Registered as a Patent Agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or eligible and willing to sit for the USPTO Patent Agent examination.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in a relevant scientific field.
• Experience with small and/or large molecule inventions, biologics (including monoclonal antibodies), and/or life science patent applications.
• Previous experience as a Patent Examiner at the USPTO.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex topics effectively and collaborate in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.

Additional Information

• Travel: Up to 5% annually
• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment