Supports Boehringer Ingelheim's Animal Health global biotech patent team by providing legal services to Clients in Boehringer Ingelheim’s Animal Health division, typically at the Executive Director level and below. Level of counseling provided requires an in depth knowledge of U.S. patent law and practice, familiarity with patent prosecution practice in Europe and other jurisdictions as well as having a sound scientific background in biotech-related life sciences. Duties include preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications in the U.S. as well as managing and coordinating the global prosecution of Boehringer Ingelheim’s patent applications. Responsibility also includes drafting and reviewing intellectual property provisions in agreements and providing patentability and freedom to operate assessments of internal and third party intellectual property rights. In addition to one area of expertise (e.g., patents) must have begun developing skills and acumen in an additional area of law and have a clear understanding of the Animal Health or related business environment in which legal advice is rendered. Must utilize legal background, and strong knowledge of the business, to move the business forward by providing sound legal counsel and advice.
As an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, you will actively contribute to the discovery, development and delivery of our products to our patients and customers. Our global presence provides opportunity for all employees to collaborate internationally, offering visibility and opportunity to directly contribute to the companies' success. We realize that our strength and competitive advantage lie with our people. We support our employees in a number of ways to foster a healthy working environment, meaningful work, diversity and inclusion, mobility, networking and work-life balance. Our competitive compensation and benefit programs reflect Boehringer Ingelheim's high regard for our employees.
Duties & Responsibilities
Prepares, usually independently, legal documents, including letters, notices, legal opinions, contracts, patent applications, administrative filings, etc.
Identifies inventions, prepares and files patent applications.
Prosecutes patent applications in the U.S. and instructs foreign agents in the prosecution of corresponding applications in their jurisdictions.
Provides advice to clients on questions related to patentability, infringement and freedom to operate of Intellectual Property (IP) rights.
Participates in IP due diligence activities for in-licensing or acquisition projects.
Participates in & supports patent oppositions and other post-grant administrative proceedings.
Influences clients by identifying and communicating risks associated with complex business activities within the IP legal area. Helps identify risks in outside lawyer's legal area; provides training and business advice to clients on legal issues within lawyer’s expertise.
Partners with clients by: looking beyond immediate business issue and identifying broader business purposes; proactively applies legal framework to both the specific business activity and the broader business purposes; developing alternative legal solutions to enable the achievement of successful outcomes.
Usually leads with other in-house and outside counsel where appropriate.
Manages (directly / indirectly) assistants and other department members.
Mentors and/or trains junior attorneys, paralegals, support team and/or others in department.
Keeps current with evolving legal and business issues within area of expertise and clients.
Requirements
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school; at least 6 to 8 years relevant legal experience; admission to at least one State bar.
A sound background and education (preferably graduate degree) in a biotech-life science field such as for example biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology or vaccine research..
Must be registered to practice at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills; demonstrates discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
Preferred:
Expert understanding of state and federal laws, regulations and policies in at least one specialized legal area.
Strong working knowledge of laws, regulations and policies in a second specialized legal area.
Ability to interpret and apply such laws, regulations and policies to inform business activities.
Ability to apply law to complex business situations.
At Boehringer Ingelheim we create value through innovation with one clear goal: to improve the lives of patients. We develop breakthrough therapies and innovative healthcare solutions in areas of unmet medical need for both humans and animals. As a family-owned company, we focus on long term performance.?We are powered by 50.000 employees globally who nurture a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive culture.?Learning and development for all employees is key because your growth is our growth.
Want to learn more? Visit boehringer-ingelheim.com and join us in our effort to make more health.
Boehringer Ingelheim is an equal opportunity global employer who takes pride in maintaining a diverse and inclusive culture. We embrace diversity of perspectives and strive for an inclusive environment, which benefits our employees, patients, and communities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to a person’s actual or perceived race, including natural hairstyles, hair texture and protective hairstyles; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; citizenship status, marital status; gender, gender identity or expression; sexual orientat...ion, mental, physical or intellectual disability, veteran status; pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable law.