Patent Attorney

Novartis

. Provide clear, strategic, and business-focused counsel to Novartis R&D clients on invention protection, portfolio development, publication strategy, and third-party risks .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeLa Jolla • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $185,500 - $344,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in U.S. and PCT patent law, with a strong focus on patent prosecution and portfolio management in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Capable of providing strategic IP counsel and building effective partnerships across diverse teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

J.D. DegreeU.S. Patent and Trademark Office Registration7+ Years as Patent AttorneyExpertise in U.S. and PCT Patent LawStrong Technical Expertise in Chemistry

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Patent ProsecutionPatent Portfolio ManagementInvention IdentificationLegal Opinion RenderingDue DiligenceContract DraftingRisk EvaluationFreedom to Operate AnalysisAnalytical SkillsDecision-Making Skills

Soft Skills

Client-Service OrientationInterpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsTeamworkOrganizational Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Admission to State Bar

Industry Keywords

Pharmaceutical IndustryBiotechnology IndustryDrug DiscoveryM&A TransactionsResearch CollaborationsExclusivity ProtectionEuropean Patent LawGlobal Patent SystemsPatent TrendsSmall Molecules

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide clear, strategic, and business-focused counsel to Novartis R&D clients on invention protection, portfolio development, publication strategy, and third-party risks
Build and manage patent portfolios for Novartis R&D projects
Identify inventions and prepare, prosecute, maintain, and defend patent filings across new molecular entities, processes, manufacturing, platforms, technologies, and clinical developments
Render legal opinions on patentability, validity, and freedom to operate
Develop patent strategies that strengthen IP positions, support freedom to operate, and enable effective IP defense
Apply knowledge of national patent law and practice, legal developments, and patent trends to shape strategy and advice
Understand and apply other forms of exclusivity protection as appropriate
Communicate with colleagues and leaders across legal, IP, and R&D organizations
Build and manage relationships with outside counsel and collaborators within a multicultural global patent function
Conduct due diligence and provide counsel on freedom-to-operate, infringement, validity, risk evaluation, and risk mitigation strategies
Provide IP support for transactional matters, including M&A, research collaborations, and in-licensing opportunities
Advise on contract drafting and negotiation

Requirements

What you’ll need

J.D. degree
Admission to at least one state bar
Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Advanced degree in chemistry or a closely related field; Ph.D. strongly preferred
Preferably 1–2 years of exposure to drug discovery and development processes used in pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology companies
7+ years of experience as a qualified patent attorney in a law firm or within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
Strong technical expertise in chemistry, preferably including experience with small molecules, synthesis, or pharmaceutical development
Expertise in U.S. and PCT patent law, filing processes, and prosecution practice
Detailed understanding of European patent law and other major global patent systems
Strong client-service orientation, with ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with key stakeholders and project teams
Strong analytical, presentation, and communication skills
Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively
Strong research, critical thinking, and decision-making skills, with close attention to detail and commitment to consistently accurate work
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with flexibility, creativity, and resourcefulness to manage multiple competing priorities
Strong interpersonal skills, including partnership building, influence, persuasion, and teamwork

Benefits

Comp & perks

Performance-based cash incentive
Eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards, depending on role level
Health benefits
Life benefits
Disability benefits
401(k) with company contribution and match
Vacation
Personal days
Holidays
Other leaves
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities