Senior Counsel, Patent Prosecution
Company Description
AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. The company focuses on key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, and neuroscience, as well as products and services in the Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.
Role Overview
AbbVie is searching for an in‑house Senior Counsel for its Patent Prosecution group, part of AbbVie’s Intellectual Property, Transactions, and Innovation legal team. This position will support AbbVie’s immunology pharmaceutical products and be based in Waltham, MA; North Chicago, IL; or South San Francisco, CA, with a hybrid work model (on‑site 3+ days/week). The Senior Counsel will develop and implement intellectual property strategies for AbbVie’s products and product candidates.
Responsibilities
- Maximize AbbVie’s competitive position through creation and implementation of intellectual property strategies.
- Provide legal advice and counsel to cross‑functional R&D and business teams on a variety of IP‑related matters.
- Draft, file, and prosecute strategically useful patent applications worldwide both directly and through management of outside counsel.
- Challenge and defend patents in IPR, opposition, interference, and other post‑grant proceedings.
- Conduct prior art searches, analyze third‑party patent positions, and conduct due diligence to support business development activities.
Qualifications
- J.D. degree from an accredited law school, state bar admission enabling in‑house practice, and registration to practice before the USPTO.
- 5+ years of experience practicing patent law as an attorney or patent agent at a law firm and/or life‑sciences company, including substantial U.S. and foreign patent prosecution.
- Technical background relevant for pharmaceutical patent prosecution, such as experience with small‑molecule and/or biological pharmaceutical discovery & development, or a technical degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, or biomedical engineering.
- Strong legal, analytical, communication, collaboration, and people skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects to meet deadlines.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick).
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) plan for eligible employees.
- Eligibility to participate in long‑term incentive programs.