Director IP Litigation

MSD • Rahway, NJ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director IP Litigation will be a member of the legal team responsible for global enforcement and freedom-to-operate litigation matters. The position sets litigation strategy and manages intellectual property matters, advising senior leadership and the business on pre-litigation, litigation, and other high-risk IP issues. The role leads outside counsel, conducts risk assessments, manages litigation budgets, and works collaboratively with business clients and legal and communications colleagues to align litigation strategy with business objectives. The position reports to the Vice President of Global Intellectual Property Litigation. The successful candidate will work from the company’s Rahway, New Jersey office, with flexibility for some remote work. The role includes approximately 10% travel and is a regular employee position with a first-shift schedule.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline from an accredited institution.
• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Five or more years of legal experience in a law firm and/or pharmaceutical corporate setting, including some pharmaceutical intellectual property litigation experience.
• Membership in good standing of the bar of at least one state or the District of Columbia.
• Superior ability to analyze complex legal, business, and scientific issues; outstanding writing and communication skills; strong initiative; and a proven ability to manage outside counsel effectively and efficiently within applicable budgets.
• Ability to manage a significant workload and balance competing priorities in a fast-paced, challenging environment, including domestic and international travel as needed.
• Willingness and ability to become proficient quickly in new areas of legal practice.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate risks and exercise excellent legal judgment.
• Team-oriented approach and solution-oriented handling of legal issues.
• Ability to work in the company’s Rahway, New Jersey office, with flexibility for some remote working.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in the biological or chemical sciences.
• Registration to practice before the USPTO.

Responsibilities

• Set strategy for, manage, and advise senior leadership and the business on pre-litigation, litigation, and other high-risk intellectual property matters.
• Lead and manage outside counsel on intellectual property litigation from case inception through closure.
• Establish case and alternative dispute resolution strategies, provide internal guidance to business and relevant stakeholders, and implement litigation initiatives.
• Investigate factual and other issues related to intellectual property litigation, working with business units to defend the company and its intellectual property.
• Perform risk assessments and determine when and how to resolve legal issues, consulting key legal and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• Establish and manage litigation budgets aligned with business interests and successful outcomes, working with outside counsel to minimize costs and fees.
• Collaborate with the team, business clients, the Office of General Counsel, and Global Communications to ensure litigation strategy aligns with overall business objectives.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of intellectual property litigation and applicable law, and proactively counsel the business on legal developments that could affect the company’s legal or reputational status.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
• Eligibility for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director