Associate VP – Assistant General Patent Counsel, IP Procurement

Eli Lilly and Company

. Develop comprehensive global patent strategies for key pharmaceutical assets .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeIndianapolis • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $229,500 - $371,800 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing comprehensive global patent strategies and patent application filing strategies for pharmaceutical assets, with a strong focus on patent prosecution and legal compliance. Proven ability to lead projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and communicate complex legal concepts effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Doctor Of Jurisprudence (J.D.)Patent Prosecution ExperiencePharmaceutical Patent Strategy DevelopmentUSPTO LicensingLeadership In Dynamic Environments

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Patent Application DraftingFreedom To Operate AssessmentIP Risk AnalysisPatent EnforcementScientific Communication

Soft Skills

Project ManagementCollaborationInfluencingProblem SolvingRelationship Building

Industry Keywords

Pharmaceutical ProductsDrug DiscoveryClinical DevelopmentManufacturingRegulatory Compliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop comprehensive global patent strategies for key pharmaceutical assets
Develop patent application filing strategies covering innovations from discovery, clinical development, manufacturing, and beyond
Draft and prosecute patent applications in all jurisdictions
Assess freedom to operate
Analyze IP risks and develop strategic and tactical solutions aligned with business objectives and the competitive environment
Advise teams and senior management on exclusivity, patentability, freedom to operate, and risks
Communicate legal advice clearly and concisely
Stay current on global laws, court precedents, and regulations relevant to pharmaceutical products
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement within the team and organization
Prioritize, lead, and manage projects
Contribute to implementing new policies and procedures
Lead task-directed teams
Contribute to efficiency, collegiality, and collaboration
Collaborate with Lilly Legal Patent team members, project teams, and business leadership
Report to the Associate Vice President – IP Procurement and Strategy

Requirements

What you’ll need

Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree from an accredited U.S. institution
At least ten years of post-JD experience as a practicing patent attorney in a law firm or industry
Significant experience developing comprehensive patent strategies for pharmaceutical assets
Significant patent prosecution experience
Presently admitted to practice law in at least one US jurisdiction
Presently licensed to represent clients in patent matters before the USPTO
In good standing in each state and in the USPTO, with no discipline issues on record
Bachelor’s degree or higher in a scientific field
Scientific background supporting communication about discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products, including small molecules, peptides, antibodies, conjugates, and genetic medicines
Legally authorized to be employed in the United States
Experience with patent enforcement is a plus
Ability to work effectively with team members and management across all levels
Demonstrated leadership and effectiveness working with senior leadership
Ability to establish relationships with business partners and research and development teams
Experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery or development, or significant knowledge of drug discovery and development
High learning agility and ability to solve complex problems
Ability to influence and lead in a dynamic environment
Exceptional patent law acumen
Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple complex projects to meet deadlines

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company bonus depending, in part, on company and individual performance
Company-sponsored 401(k)
Pension
Vacation benefits
Medical benefits
Dental benefits
Vision benefits
Prescription drug benefits
Flexible benefits, including healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts
Life insurance and death benefits
Time off and leave of absence benefits
Well-being benefits, including employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities